Early History
The origins of Thuringia trace back to the Germanic tribe of the Thuringii, who emerged around 350 AD. By the early 5th century, they had established a substantial kingdom stretching from the Harz Mountains to the Danube River. However, in 531 AD, their king, Irminfrid, was defeated by the Frankish kings Theodoric I and Chlotar I, leading to the region’s incorporation into the Frankish realm. Subsequently, Thuringia was governed by Frankish dukes, and in the early 8th century, the area was divided into countships to reinforce royal authority. During this period, St. Boniface played a crucial role in converting the Thuringians to Christianity.
Medieval Period
In 1130, the Ludowing family gained prominence when Louis the Bearded was appointed landgrave of Thuringia by King Lothar II. The region flourished under their rule, becoming a significant cultural and political center. Notably, the Wartburg Castle, constructed during this era, became a focal point of medieval German history. It was here that Saint Elisabeth of Hungary resided, and later, Martin Luther sought refuge and translated the New Testament into German.
Modern History
The 19th and 20th centuries brought significant changes to Thuringia. In 1920, several territories were merged to form the state of Thuringia within the Weimar Republic, with Weimar as its capital. After World War II, the region fell under Soviet occupation and was later incorporated into East Germany. Following German reunification in 1990, Thuringia was re-established as a federal state with Erfurt as its capital.
Ancestry Research in Thuringia
For those interested in tracing their lineage to Thuringia, several resources can assist in genealogical research:
- Archivportal Thüringen: This portal provides access to a vast array of archival materials from Thuringian archives, including inventories and online search tools.
- WikiTree’s Thuringia Genealogy Page: A collaborative platform where genealogists share family trees and historical information related to Thuringian ancestry.
These platforms offer valuable insights and records for individuals seeking to explore their Thuringian heritage.
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