Trier

• 1. Roman Imperial Capital

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  The Roman Empire subjugated the Treveri tribe in the late 1st century BC. They established Augusta Treverorum about 16 BC on the banks of the Moselle river. This city became one of four capitals during the Tetrarchy period from 293 to 395 AD. A population of roughly 75,000 people lived there in the 4th century. Some estimates suggest the number reached as high as 100,000 residents. The Porta Nigra gate dates from this specific era of imperial power. Saint Ambrose was born within these walls before moving to Milan. Emperor Constantine the Great exiled Pope Athanasius I to this city in 336 AD. He spent his time in clerical circles at the episcopal residence here.

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• 2. Medieval Ecclesiastical Power

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  The Franks seized control of Trier from Roman administration in 459 AD. It became part of Eastern Francia in 870 which developed into the Holy Roman Empire. Relics of Saint Matthias brought to the city initiated widespread pilgrimages for centuries. Bishops of the city grew increasingly powerful over the following centuries. The Archbishopric of Trier was recognized as an electorate of the empire. One of seven electors held great significance for choosing future emperors. The University of Trier was founded in the year 1473 by church leaders. Archbishops and Prince-Electors relocated their residence to Philippsburg Castle near Koblenz during the 17th century. A session of the Reichstag was held in Trier in 1512. This meeting definitively established the demarcation of Imperial Circles across Germany.

• 3. Witch Trials and Persecution

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  Persecutions started in the diocese of Trier in the year 1581. They reached the city itself in 1587 where they led to death. About 368 people died within the city limits alone between those years. This counts only executions that occurred inside the urban boundaries themselves. A total of 1,000 deaths has been suggested but never confirmed for all hunts. It was one of four largest witch trials in German history alongside Fulda and Würzburg. Perhaps it was even the biggest mass execution in Europe during peacetime. The exact number of people executed in all witch hunts remains unestablished today. Social impact spread fear throughout the region during these dark years from 1581 to 1593.

• 4. Modern Political History

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  After conquering Trier again in 1794 France annexed the city permanently. The electoral archbishopric dissolved following this French Revolutionary War victory. Trier passed to the Kingdom of Prussia after the Napoleonic Wars ended in 1815. Karl Marx the German philosopher was born in the city in 1818. As part of the Prussian Rhineland Trier developed economically during the 19th century. The city rose in revolt during revolutions of 1848 though rebels conceded quickly. It became part of the German Empire in 1871. Multiple Stolpersteine have been installed to commemorate those murdered during the Shoah. In June 1940 over 60,000 British prisoners were marched to Trier as a staging post. Heavy bombing occurred in 1944 destroying much of the historic center. Five people died by an allegedly drunk driver on the 1st of December 2020 during a vehicle attack.

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• 5. Architectural Heritage Sites

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  The Porta Nigra stands as the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps. Huge Aula Palatina served as the long throne hall for Emperor Constantine. Today it functions as a Protestant church adjacent to the Electoral Palace. Three Roman baths remain among ruins including Barbara Baths and Imperial Baths. The largest Roman baths exist north of the Alps within these walls. A 2nd century AD Roman bridge crosses the Moselle still used by traffic today. Trier Cathedral dates back to Roman times with its imposing Romanesque west façade. Four towers rise above the structure copied repeatedly across Europe. Holy Tunic claimed to be Jesus robe resides inside the cathedral treasury. St Matthias Abbey houses what is held to be only apostle tomb north of Alps. Two old treadwheel cranes stand from 1413 and 1774 along the riverbanks.

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• 6. Cultural Institutions and Education

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  University of Trier was founded in 1473 but closed in 1796 before restarting in 1970. Academy of European Law established training programs for legal practitioners in 1992. About 40 Kindergärten operated alongside 25 primary schools and 23 secondary schools in 2010. Museums dedicated to Karl Marx display personal history volumes poetry letters photographs. Rheinisches Landesmuseum serves as important archaeological museum for Roman period artifacts. Ethnological Roscheider Hof shows rural culture history near city limits. Altstadtfest has been celebrated on last weekend of June since 1980. Germany largest Roman festival Brot und Spiele ended in 2014 after many years. World Rally Championship German round base has existed here since 2002. Christmas street festival occurs annually on Hauptmarkt square in front of Cathedral.

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