What if I told you Frankfurt’s smallest metropolis held secrets to ancient Roman life? The Windspiele offers more than just a view. It whispers tales of Frankfurt am Main.
Frankfurt started as a settlement on a hill. This strategic location was at a ford in the Main River. The oldest parts of the city are on higher ground. This ground was once crossed by the Roman road. It ran from Mainz to Heddernheim.
The Cathedral Hill was the oldest part of the Altstadt. It was an island formed by the Main’s arms. Access was only easy from the west. A ford and its location gave it military and economic advantages.
Let’s jump back to Roman times. Archaeological finds suggest Roman settlement here in the first century CE. A Roman bath hints at a larger complex. It may have been a fortress. Military occupation ended in the second century. A villa replaced it. Similar complexes existed in modern Günthersburgpark.
Fast forward. The name Frankfurt appears in 793. By 794, it was already a significant city. Emperor’s letter mentions “Franconofurd.” It means “that famous place called Frankfurt.”
Cathedral Hill may have been settled in Merovingian times. A girl’s rich grave was found here. It dates to the 7th century.
Charlemagne built a royal court at “Franconovurd”. This meant “ford of the Franks.” He held a church council here in 794. Bishops came from across the Frankish kingdom. Even ecclesiastics from England attended. The council condemned Adoptionism and iconoclasm.
Louis the Pious chose Frankfurt as his seat. He expanded the palatinate. In 838, he had the city encircled by defensive walls and ditches.
After the Treaty of Verdun in 843, Frankfurt became the capital of East Francia. It was named “Principalis sedes regni orientalis.” This meant “principal seat of the eastern realm.” Kings and emperors often stayed in Frankfurt. Imperial Diets and church councils took place here. Monasteries and endowments furthered the urban community. Frankfurt remained the center of imperial power.
After a period of lesser importance, one event brought Frankfurt to the fore again. In 1147, Bernard of Clairvaux called King Conrad III to the Second Crusade. Conrad selected his son as heir before leaving. After Conrad’s son died, Frankfurt became the customary place for electing German kings.
By 1180, Frankfurt had greatly expanded. By 1250, privileges and economic growth increased. As a free imperial city, Frankfurt experienced strong growth. Its national importance rose. Citizens selected their mayors and officials. They enjoyed the emperors’ favor. Frankfurt became a self-governing Imperial estate.
In 1521, Frankfurt ranked fifth among free imperial cities. Its contribution to the Empire’s defense was significant.
From the 16th century, trade and arts flourished. Science and innovation progressed. The printing press promoted education. From the 15th to 17th centuries, Frankfurt held Germany’s most important book fair.
The Windspiele is not just a scenic spot. It is a landmark rooted in centuries of historical evolution. It is a silent observer of Frankfurt’s transformation. From Roman settlements to imperial elections, Frankfurt has played a central role in shaping history.