History of Mainz

The city of Mainz has Roman origins and can look back on over 2,000 years of history. Founded as the Roman legion camp Mogontiacum, the city later became the capital of the province of Germania superior and was the seat of the archbishop from 780/82 to 1803. The city experienced its heyday between 1244 and 1462, when it was a free city. After that, its history was shaped by the Electors and Archbishops of Mainz, who resided in the city, until the end of the 18th century. After this era, Mainz largely lost its importance as a federal fortress, while its role as a fortress increased. In 1946, Mainz became the capital of Rhineland-Palatinate.