Leipzig
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Leipzig entered recorded history in AD 1015 as the fortified town of Urbs Libzi and was granted municipal status by 1170. Its favourable position in the middle of a plain intersected by the principal trade routes of central Europe stimulated the town's commercial development. Its two annual markets, at Easter and at Michaelmas, were raised in 1497 to the rank of imperial fairs. Additional economic privileges enabled Leipzig to become the foremost German commercial centre by about 1700, a development that in turn promoted the growth of a network of roads converging on the town. Leipzig's focal geographic situation had another, less fortunate consequence: several important battles were fought in or near the town. These included two at Breitenfeld (now a suburb) in 1631 and 1642 and one at Lützen in 1632, during the Thirty Years' War, and in particular the Battle of Leipzig (or Battle of the Nations) in October 1813, in the Napoleonic Wars. The town's enviable economic status stimulated a notable cultural life, based particularly on the early development of the printing industry but also including the musical efflorescence associated with Johann Sebastian Bach. Trade continued to be the most important economic activity in the town, the main commodities traded being books, furs, yarns, and textiles. In 1839 the first German railroad was opened between Leipzig and Dresden, and the accompanying growth of banks provided capital for the city's growing textile and metallurgical industries. One-quarter of Leipzig was destroyed in the last years of World War II. After the devastation of the war, the restoration and reconstruction of the city were carried out under the communist policies of East Germany. With renewed attention being paid to the Leipzig Fair and other exhibitions held in the city, Leipzig continues to play an important role among European cities. Peaceful but massive demonstrations by citizens of Leipzig in late 1989 played a significant role in bringing an end to the communist regime of East Germany. The traditional fur and book-publishing industries of Leipzig are still well known. Modern industries include heavy constructional engineering and the manufacture of electrical products, textiles, clothing, chemicals, and machine tools. The annual Leipzig Fair, held in the spring, is one of the most important forums for international trade between eastern and western Europe. Leipzig is the centre of many railway lines, and its main railway station is one of the most important passenger stations in central Europe. Leipzig is also the focus of several major roads, and two airports serve the city. Leipzig is a major intellectual and cultural centre. The University of Leipzig (called Karl Marx University of Leipzig from 1953 to 1990) dates from 1409. Leipzig has many museums, and its academies of dramatic art, musical history, graphic arts, and bookmaking are internationally known. Among the city's libraries are the German Library and the Comenius Library, which is Europe's largest library specializing in education. The university library, the Leipzig City Library, and the City Archives are also important. Musical traditions are carried on by the Thomaner Choir, the Gewandhaus Orchestra, and the Radio Symphony Orchestra. There is also a fine opera house (1963). Historic landmarks that were restored after World War II include the Old Town Hall, the Old Commercial Exchange, the old residential and market squares, Auerbach's Cellar, and the 13th-century Church of St. Thomas. The skyline of the modern city now includes the university tower and new hotels and commercial and residential buildings. Within the city, former woodlands along the riverbanks have been partly converted to parks and fulfill an important recreational function. Pop. (1994 est.) 490,851. Copyright © 1994-2002 Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.
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