From Late Antiquity to the Foundation of the Palatinate: Experience Duisburg's Early History at the City Archive
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How Duisburg Became the Settlement Landscape of the Early Middle Ages
On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Duisburg City Archive invites you to an exciting evening about the beginnings of Duisburg's city history. Archaeologist Johannes Reller traces the development of today's urban area from Late Antiquity through the Merovingian period to the foundation of the palatinate at the end of the Carolingian era.
Archaeological Traces between the Rhine and Ruhr
The focus of the presentation is on the Late Antiquity and early medieval development of a settlement landscape. Based on nearly 300 selected archaeological measures from the past 200 years, new scientific dating, and the evaluation of finds and features, a multifaceted picture of early Duisburg emerges.
Central Places, Trade, and Social Change
Johannes Reller looks at the emergence of early central places and the significance of the Rhine as a transport and trade route. Traces of elites, early long-distance trade, and changed burial customs make visible how significantly the region changed during this period. The topic combines scientific expertise with illustrative regional history.
City History Thursdays at the Duisburg City Archive
The lecture opens the new series City History Thursdays, organized by the Duisburg City Archive in collaboration with the Mercator Society. Until February, a total of nine lectures covering different chapters of Duisburg's history are scheduled. The event planning is aimed at everyone interested in archaeology, urban development, and historical contexts.
The DenkStätte in the city archive provides a focused framework: a quiet event atmosphere, expert contextualization, and an event experience with direct connection to the city on the Rhine. The audience's mood thrives on the shared discovery of historical traces and new perspectives on their own region.
Conclusion: Discover Duisburg's Early History Live
Visitors can expect an informed, illustrative presentation evening on settlement, trade, power, and social changes in the early Middle Ages. Anyone wanting to experience Duisburg's origins from an archaeological perspective should not miss this date at the city archive. Participation is free of charge, and registration is not required; due to the limited number of participants of a maximum of 60 people, early arrival is recommended.
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