Elbe

The Elbe River (Czech Labe {{Audio|Cs-Labe.ogg|listen}}, Sorbian/Lusatian ?objo, Polish ?aba, German Elbe, Hungarian Elba) is one of the major waterways of central Europe. It originates in the North West Czech Republic before traversing much of Germany and finally flowing into the North Sea. Its total length is 1165 km.

History

The Elbe has long been an important delineator of European geography. The Romans knew the river as the Albis; however, they only attempted once to move the Eastern border of their empire forward from the Rhine to the Elbe, and this attempt failed in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD, after which they never seriously tried again. In the Middle Ages it formed the eastern limit of the Empire of Charlemagne. The river's navigable sections were also essential to the success of the Hanseatic League and much trade was carried on its waters.

Related Topics:
Romans - Rhine - Elbe - Battle of the Teutoburg Forest - 9 - Middle Ages - Charlemagne - Hanseatic League

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In 1945, as World War II was drawing to a close, Nazi Germany was caught between the armies of the western Allies advancing from the west and the Soviet Union advancing from the east. On April 25, these two forces linked up near Torgau, on the Elbe. The event was marked as Elbe Day. After the war, the Elbe formed part of the border between East and West Germany.

Related Topics:
1945 - World War II - Nazi Germany - Soviet Union - April 25 - Elbe Day - East - West Germany

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