Speyer (formerly often called Spires in English) is a city in Germany (Rheinhessen-Pfalz, Rhineland-Palatinate) with ~50000 inhabitants, located at the Rhine river. It neighbours Worms and Mainz.
History
Archeologigal data suggests that the site of the city was originally inhabited by celts around 500 BC.- In 10 BC, the Romans moved in.
- In 346 a bishop for the town is mentioned for the first time.
- In 496 or 506 the name "Spira" first occurs.
- In 1030, Kaiser Konrad II.[?] starts the construction of the Speyer cathedral, today one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- In 1076, Kaiser Heinrich IV.[?] walks from Speyer to Canossa[?].
- Around 1230, Speyer officially becomes a city.
- In 1689, the city is heavily damaged by French troops.
- Between 1792 and 1814 Speyer is under French jurisdiction.
Children of the city
Speyer cathedral