Here stands Apelstein 29 a silent sentinel in Leipzig-Schönefeld. This unassuming stone is one of fifty Apelsteine scattered across Leipzig and its environs. Each marks a significant location from the Battle of Leipzig also known as the Battle of Nations in 1813.
Apelstein 29 specifically commemorates the fierce fighting around Schönefeld on October 18 1813. The inscription reveals the presence of Marshal Marmont’s VI Corps numbering 15000 men. Imagine the clash of steel the thunder of cannons the cries of men locked in brutal combat. This small stone is a poignant reminder of the immense scale and ferocity of that historical event.
The Apelsteine themselves are a fascinating story. They were commissioned by Theodor Apel a Leipzig citizen and writer. He financed their creation himself around 1861-1864. Apel’s motivation seems complex. He sought to illuminate the battlefields for future generations. His personal dedication to preserving this history is truly remarkable.
Originally made of sandstone these stones were prone to deterioration. Many were replaced over the years sometimes with harder materials. This led to variations in size and shape among the surviving Apelsteine. Apelstein 29 may well be a later replacement. However it continues to fulfill its purpose. It marks the ground where history was made.
Notice the pointed top and the letter V. This signifies the Allied forces. The opposing Napoleonic forces are marked with rounded tops and an N. These subtle design differences add another layer to the story these stones tell. Each one is a small monument to courage sacrifice and the passage of time.
As we leave Apelstein 29 take a moment to appreciate its quiet strength. It is more than a simple marker. It is a legacy. A testament to the Battle of Leipzig and the enduring human desire to remember and honor the past.