The history of Xanten

About 5500 BC

The first neolithic farmers settled here: the forests provided game, firewood and shelter. The two rivers, later named Rhine and Lippe, could be used for transport.

12 BC

The Romans founded the first military camp, Vetera Castra I. It was situated on the Fürstenberg - a hill-top location which was easily defendable. The camp was erected with a view to invading Germania, on the other side of the Rhine. 8,000 to 10,000 Soldiers lived in wooden and clay houses. Germanic tribes succeeded in destroying the camp in the year 70.  A second camp (Vetera Castra II) was erected elsewhere.

A.D. 9

Arminius, leader of the Germanic tribe "Cherusci", succeeded in forcing Roman troops, on their campaign to invade Germania, into impassable territory. Here, the militarily inferior Germanic warriors had the advantage. Today it is as good as proven that many Roman soldiers were killed on the battlefield at Kalkriese near Osnabrück. The best-known Roman officer to die was Marcus Caelius. His memorial stone was discovered in Xanten in 1630.

A.D. 98

The Roman emporor Traianus founded the Roman settlement Colonia Ulpia Traiana, abbreviated to CUT. CUT was the largest Roman town in Lower Germania after the settlement at what is now Cologne. In the 2nd century 10,000 to 15,000 people lived here, many of them ex-soldiers.

About 275

After the Roman town had been largely destroyed in the 3rd century, a smaller but better fortified town was built on the site of CUT.

362-363

Roman emperor Julian persecutes Christians throughout the Roman Empire. Legend has it that the Roman soldier Victor and his companions were executed in Birten near Xanten. Soon Christian pilgrims were travelling to the supposed location of his grave. It was here that St. Victor's Cathedral was later constructed.

Early 5th century

The end of Roman Empire had come. As attacks by the Germanic people became more frequent, the Roman settlement was abandoned. Stones from the ruined buildings were used to build new ones. Members of the Frankish tribe settled in the area.

590

A religious community, a monastery, was founded. It was named "ad Sanctos" - "to the saints". The members of the monastery, the canons, lived in a similar way to monks. Near the monastry a settlement developed that became Xanten. The name Xanten derived from "ad sanctos".

1228

Xanten, where a market was held regurlaly, had become an important place. In July 1228  Xanten was given its town charter by the archbishop of Cologne.

1263

Pilgrims came to Xanten to worship St. Victor. A chapel had already been built where his grave was believed to be. Here  St. Victor's Cathedral was built. It would take 350 years to complete. The "Dombauhütte" that was responsible for the construction still exists, as such a large and fine building has to be maintained constantly.

After 1535

Xanten became a prosperous town. But when the Rhine changed its course, Xanten was cut off from shipping. The town, which had relied on the river for trade, fell into economic decline.

1794-1814

During this period Xanten belonged to French territory. The property of the church was seized by the state and the monastery was dissolved. In 1811 Napoleon I and his wife Marie visited Xanten when passing on a journey.

1944-1945

In World War II the cathedral was almost entirely destroyed during bombing raids. The medieval town centre was also severely damaged. Pofessor Dr. Bader, who began to rebuild the cathedral on his own, campaigned for the reconstruction. The city centre was also carefully restored to its former glory.

1969

Xanten became a little larger: the surrounding villages Birten, Lüttingen, Marienbaum, Obermörmter, Vynen and Wardt were integrated into the town of Xanten.

1977

The Archaeological Park was opened on parts of the site of CUT. The concept of the park was, and still is, to make the work of archaeologists visible and understandable. To this end buildings have been fully or partly reconstructed. Meanwhile the park has become a well-known venue for events: the Roman festival "Schwerter, Brot und Spiele" - "Swords, bread and games" and the "Tag der Begegnung" - Germany's largest family party for disabled and non-disabled people, which takes place once a year.

1982

The first facilities at the leisure centre were opened. Today  the centre offers a wide range of water sports and facilities such as fishing, rafting, boating, diving, saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, waterskiing, a sandy beach... all at Xanten's South and North Lakes. 

1988

Since the foundation of the Archaeological Park millions of people have visited Xanten. The state Northrhine-Westphalia awarded Xanten the title "state-approved leisure destination" for its efforts to offer a variety of quality attrations for visitors.

2003

The 775th anniversary of the foundation of the town was celebrated. Many events were organised, among them a historic fashion show and a visit by Peer Steinbrück, the prime minister of the state Northrhine-Westphalia.

2004

Xanten Youth Hostel was opened. The modern and welcoming hostel is situated near the Xanten lakes and offers a variety of activities.

2005

On 25th January, the foundation stone of the Cathedral Museum was laid. The opening is planned for 2009.
The museum will cover the history of the monastery that lasted for more than 1000 years. The history of Xanten will not be presented in isolation, but in its wider historical context.

2008

In August, the new RömerMuseum (Roman Museum) was opened. It is situated on the site of CUT and it replaces the old Regional Museum. Many artefacts can now be displayed that were in storage before due to lack of space in the old museum. Together with the Roman Baths it creates a unique visitor experience.