Rotberg

From a dense woodland, Rotberg emerged. In 1318, the name “Rodeses” first appeared in historical records. This quaint village, Rotberg, was likely founded by German colonists. The name itself might derive from the German word for clearing or the Slavic word “rot,” meaning wet terrain. This hints at the possibility of an earlier Slavic settlement, although no Slavic artifacts have been discovered yet. Rotberg sits south of Berlin, near the Brandenburg Airport. It’s a short distance from Schönefeld and Waltersdorf. The village is nestled at an elevation of 40 meters above sea level. For centuries, the Rotberger Flutgraben, a drainage ditch, has flowed south of Rotberg. It merges with other waterways before eventually joining the Brennereigraben. In 1318, the villagers of Rotberg and Kiekebusch faced a common enemy: water. Heavy rains and a harsh winter had caused the nearby Luch, a marshy area, to overflow. The villagers joined forces, digging ditches to drain the water and protect their livelihoods. Rotberg’s history is intertwined with the von Sticken family. They held significant power, controlling the upper and lower courts, collecting wagon services and fees. However, by 1450, the village had become the property of the Margrave, suggesting the von Sticken line may have ended. Rotberg’s story also features the prominent Reiche family. Joachim Reiche the Elder acquired property in Rotberg in 1487, and his son expanded their holdings in 1517. Later, the von Rochow family entered the scene, granting Rotzis to the Reiche brothers in 1553. Henning Reiche consolidated power, establishing a manor with eight free acres in 1603. The Thirty Years’ War left its mark on Rotberg, significantly reducing its population. Yet, the village persevered. It passed through various hands, including Otto Christoph von Rochow and Egidius Kretschmer, before being sold to Johann Georg Appel in 1686. In 1729, Rotberg became a royal possession. King Friedrich Wilhelm I purchased the village, combining it with Kiekebusch to form the Amt Rotzis administrative district. The village continued to grow. By 1801, Rotberg had a population of 124, including the inhabitants of the nearby Tollkrug inn. The 19th century saw further development. A school was established in 1818, and a shooting house is mentioned in 1833. Even Otto von Bismarck played a role in Rotberg’s history, working on a dam project in the area during his time as a legal trainee. By 1900, Rotberg’s population had reached 283. The village changed its name from Rotzis to Rotberg in 1938. After World War II, land reforms and the establishment of agricultural cooperatives reshaped the village’s economy. Rotberg’s story continues to unfold today as part of the Schönefeld municipality. It stands as a testament to centuries of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of its people.