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earliest settlements in and around Rothenburg were about
500 years B.C. Celtic tribes had a fortification on the
western slopes of the Tauber valley (Engelsburg). The
village of Detwang, today part of the town, was founded
about 960 A.C.. 970 A.C.the first medieval stronghold was
built. In 1142 it was joined by an imperial castle, but
an earthquake destroyed both castles in 1356. On May 15
in 1247 Rothenburg became a free "Free City" of
the German Empire under the emperorīs special
protection. This privilege initiated a great prosperity.
The town developed into a trading center and became one
of the leading communities in southern Germany. In 1400
Rothenburg had a population of 6000. This glorious time ended in 1408. The citizens became involved in unsuccessful, disastrous wars. In 1544 they converted to protestantism. In 1631 during the Thirty Years War, total destruction of the town could apparently only be prevented by the famous "Master Draught" (Meistertrunk), when mayor Georg Nusch consumed 3.25 l of wine in one go. From 1650 until the beginning of the last century Rothenburg belonged to the thousands of insignificant states that existed at that time in central Europe. In 1802 Rothenburg was incorporated into the kingdom ov Bavaria. Later, during the Romantic period of German art, the well preserved medieval town became a Mecca for painters and poets. They established the world-wide reputation of Rothenburg. During World War II on March 31, 1945, an allied bombardement destroyed the eastern part of the old town. But fortunately the historical center remained untouched. |
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