“Imagine life as a Frankish nobleman.” He founded a farm and inadvertently laid the foundation for what we now know as Gonsenheim. We are standing in Gonsenheim, a borough with a rich tapestry of history woven from Neolithic settlements to Roman outposts and Frankish farms.
Gonsenheim is located in the northwest corner of Mainz. It is the second-most populated borough of Mainz with about 25,000 inhabitants. But Gonsenheim’s story stretches back much further than its modern-day status.
Around 2800 BC to 2200 BC, during the late Neolithic period, prehistoric people settled here. An important discovery was made near the Gonsenheim railway station. Five polished flat Jadeite axes were found. These axes came from the Maritime Alps. They highlight Gonsenheim’s significance in prehistory.
Later, around 1200 to 750 BC, the Late Bronze Age saw more settlements in the Gonsbach valley. Even the Hallstatt period around 750 BC saw an increase in settlements in Mainz including Gonsenheim.
When the Romans controlled Mogontiacum, the Roman road Mogontiacum-Bingium passed near Gonsenheim. A villa rustica was found at Gleisberg. It contained mosaic floors and a Roman bath house. Other Roman artifacts have been found in Gonsenheim. These finds prove that the Romans lived here. Around the 4th century, a stud farm was established in the Gonsbach valley. It was likely operated by the military stationed in Mogontiacum.
In the 6th century, a Merovingian settlement was founded. This grew into Gonsenheim. The location was good for agriculture. In 1938, Gonsenheim became part of Mainz.
But Gonsenheim’s origins trace back to a Frankish nobleman named Gunzo. He established a farm that became the heart of Gonsenheim. The name ending “-heim” is typical of Frankish settlements from the 5th to 7th centuries. Gonsenheim is one of several villages founded around Mainz during this time.
Gonsenheim was first mentioned in writing on November 13, 774. King Charlemagne donated it to Fulda Monastery. Another donation to Lorsch Abbey is dated May 30, 775. It refers to “Gunsenheim im Wormsgau.” In the Carolingian period, Gonsenheim was a “royal estate”. It received donations to various monasteries.
Even after becoming part of Mainz in 1938, Gonsenheim kept its rural charm. During World War II, Gonsenheim was bombed. Nearly 600 civilians died. On March 21, 1945, American forces liberated Gonsenheim.
Today Gonsenheim has a rustic feel. You can find the old village core around St. Stephans church, the Renaissance town hall, workers’ quarters and mansions from the 19th century.
Gonsenheim borders Mombach, Hartenberg-Münchfeld, Bretzenheim, Drais, Finthen and Budenheim. Its climate is similar to a semi-arid Mediterranean climate because it is shielded by surrounding mountain ranges and the annual rainfall is below 500 liters per square meter.
From prehistoric axes to Frankish farms, Gonsenheim is a place where history comes alive.