A Brief History of Strasbourg

A settlement at the current site of the city of Strasbourg has existed since the Bronze age due to its excellent geographical position at the crossroads of waterways and overland routes. In 12 BC, this settlement became the main outpost of the Roman empire in its defence against the Germanic tribes of Northern Europe and it was named Argentoratum.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire the town began a resurgance under the new name of Stratisburgum and its political and economic growth started in ernest. In 1262, the town broke free from the ruling bishops and the the citizens of Strasbourg gained it the status of free imperial city.

During the Middle Ages Strasbourg continued to grow in prosperity and importance due not in part to the building of a large bridge over the river Rhine which placed Strasbourg at the heart of northern European trade routes. Duties levied on numerous commodities enabled the city to develop in strategic importance, and in order to gain support from the city the emperor granted it tax exemptions and privileges giving the city further independance and power.

In the 15th century, when Strasbourg became a free republic, it attracted free thinkers and reformists who took asylum in the city and helped the city to grow culturally.

Towards the end of the 16th century, Strasbourg was caught in the middle of the warring countries of Northern Central Europe and internal political battles, which culminated in the eventual annexation of the Republic of Strasbourg to France in 1697. This brought about a new found prosperity and cultural revival to the city.

The period during the 18th and 19th century brought further turmoil to the city and ended with the defeat of Napoleon III. After a six week siege on the city destroying many buildings and monuments it became part of the German empire only to return to France shortly after World War I in 1918.

World War II again caused mass destruction in the city and the aggressive occupation by the Germans shaped the city once more with its germanization policy.

After the end of World War II Strasbourg regained its status as the crossroads of Europe when in 1949 it was chosen as the headquarters of the Council of Europe. Since 1979 it has been the seat of the 15-member European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights since 1994.