Regensburg
Regensburg (Latin Ratisbona) is a city (population 130,000) 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.
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 90 AD the Romans built a small "cohort-fort" in what would now be the suburbs.
179 AD the Roman fort Castra Regina ("fortress by the river Regen") was built for the Third Italic Legion 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.
From about 530 AD 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 free imperial city and was a trade center before the shifting of trade routes in the late Middle Ages.
From 1663 to 1806, it was the permanent seat of the Imperial Diet (parliament) of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1809, it 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 Bavaria, with Regensburg becoming a part of it.
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.