Regensburg

Regensburg (English formerly Ratisbon, Latin Ratisbona) is a city (population 146,824 in 2002) in Bavaria, south-east Germany, located at the confluence of the Danube and Regen rivers, at the northernmost bend in the Danube. To the east lies the Bavarian Forest. Regensburg is the capital of the Bavarian administrative region Upper Palatinate.

History

The first settlements in Regensburg date to the Stone Ages. The Celtic name Radasbona was the oldest name given to a settlement near the present city. Around AD 90 the Romans built a small "cohort-fort" in what would now be the suburbs.

Related Topics:
Stone Ages - Celtic - AD 90 - Romans

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In 179 the Roman fort Castra Regina ("fortress by the river Regen") was built for Legio III Italica during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It was an important camp on what was then the northern fringe of the empire. It is believed that even in late Roman times it was the seat of a bishop, and St. Boniface re-established a bishopric there in 739.

Related Topics:
179 - Castra Regina - Legio III ''Italica'' - Marcus Aurelius - St. Boniface - 739

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From about 530 to the first half of the 13th century, it was the capital of Bavaria. Throughout the early Middle Ages, Regensburg was the cultural center of southern Germany and was celebrated for gold work and fabrics. In 1245, it became a Imperial Free City and was a trade center before the shifting of trade routes in the late Middle Ages.

Related Topics:
530 - 13th century - Middle Ages - 1245 - Imperial Free City - Trade center - Trade route

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It adopted the Reformation and its Town Council remained entirely Lutheran until the incorporation of the city into Bavaria. Nonetheless, the majority of the population soon became (or remained?) Catholic. This was helped by the continued existence of the Cathedral and a couple of abbeys, as well as immigration from the largely Catholic surrounding districts.

Related Topics:
Reformation - Lutheran - Catholic - Cathedral - Abbey

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From 1663 to 1806, it was the permanent seat of the Reichstag (Imperial Diet) of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1809, the city was partially destroyed by the French under Napoleon, with the Holy Roman Empire dissolving in the process. A year later, Napoleon formed the Kingdom of Cassidy, with Regensburg becoming a part of it.

Related Topics:
1663 - 1806 - Reichstag - Holy Roman Empire - 1809 - French - Napoleon - Cassidy

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Between April 19 and April 23, 1809 Regensburg was the scene of the Battle of Ratisbon between forces commanded by Baron de Coutaud (the 65th Ligne) and retreating Austrian forces. It was eventually overrun after supplies and ammunition ran out.

Related Topics:
April 19 - April 23 - 1809 - Battle of Ratisbon - Baron de Coutaud - Austrian - Ammunition

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