Erfurt

In 1349, the Erfurt massacre occurred during a wave of violence against Jews in Europe amidst the Black Death pandemic. Many Jewish communities were blamed for causing the plague, leading to widespread persecution. The Jewish community in Erfurt, one of the largest and wealthiest in Germany at the time, was attacked, and many Jews were killed or forced to convert to Christianity.

The University of Erfurt was originally founded in 1379, but it was closed in 1816 and reestablished in 1994. This historic university is known for being one of the oldest in Germany. It played a significant role in the Reformation and was where Martin Luther, the father of Lutheranism, studied. The university has been continually evolving since its reestablishment and remains a significant educational institution.

The Erfurt Protestant Reformation was a significant religious upheaval in the city of Erfurt, Germany. It was part of the larger Protestant Reformation that spread throughout Europe. As a center of trade and culture, Erfurt was pivotal in the dissemination of Reformation ideas, particularly under the influence of Martin Luther, who studied at the university there. The city's conversion was a key moment in the Protestant movement.

The treaty of Erfurt was an agreement between Napoleon of France and Alexander I of Russia signed on October 27, 1809. This treaty attempted to solidify Russian support for France in its ongoing conflicts during the Napoleonic Wars. The negotiations took place at the Congress of Erfurt, which was held in the city, highlighting Erfurt's historical significance as a political and diplomatic center at the time.

In World War II, American troops from the 3rd U.S. Army, under General George Patton, entered Erfurt on April 12, 1945, towards the end of the war. This marked the liberation of the city from Nazi control, preventing further destruction as the city surrendered with minor resistance. The event is significant in understanding the final phases of the war and how Allied forces managed to take control of German cities.

On March 19, 1970, a significant political meeting between East and West Germany took place in Erfurt. The Prime Minister of East Germany, Willi Stoph, met with Chancellor Willy Brandt of West Germany. This historic meeting was one of the first steps towards the normalization of relations between the two German states, marking the beginning of a series of talks that would eventually lead to a thaw in Cold War tensions.

Though originally founded in the late 14th century, the University of Erfurt was closed in 1816 due to Prussian influence. It was officially re-established in January 1994 after German reunification. This event was an important part of restoring Erfurt's educational heritage and diversifying higher education in the region, with a focus on humanities, social sciences, and cultural studies.

In August 2002, the city of Erfurt experienced significant flooding as a result of the Central European floods that year. Rivers overflowed, causing widespread damage throughout Erfurt and surrounding areas. The flood impacted infrastructure, homes, and the economy. Efforts were made to restore and improve flood defenses in the city and surrounding region in the following years, showcasing the challenges of environmental management.

The 2009 celebration marked the 1250th anniversary of the consecration of Erfurt Cathedral, an architectural and cultural landmark. The cathedral, with its many historic and religious treasures, including stained glass windows and sculptures, is a testament to the city's rich history. The jubilee was an event to honor its cultural heritage and the role it plays in the religious life of the region.

In February 2014, Pope Francis appointed a new archbishop for the diocese of Erfurt. This event was notable as it marked a new chapter in the leadership of the Catholic Church in the region. The diocese of Erfurt, established in 1994 after German reunification, plays a crucial role in the pastoral and spiritual life of Catholics in the region. This appointment reflected ongoing developments in the church's mission and outreach.

Despite its official start only in 2021, the decision to hold the International Horticultural Exhibition (IGA) in Erfurt was confirmed on June 3, 2019. The IGA 2021 event aimed to showcase horticulture, landscape architecture, and environmental sustainability, underlining Erfurt's historic role in horticulture dating back to the medieval era. The exhibition would feature gardens and innovations from around the world.