Graben-Neudorf

Graben-Neudorf is a town in Northern Karlsruhe County in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Early history

The village of Graben was probably created between the 5th and 7th Century, though this isn't entirely certain. An ancient Roman road (partly visible to this day) connecting Kehl, Mühlburg, Heidelberg, and Neuenheim runs north/south through the Graben area. The discovery of Roman coins in the area suggest a Roman camp was located around the current site of the city.

The first documentary evidence of Graben only dates back to 1306. By the 14th and 15th century was Graben already a regional hub for trade as well as the church.

The wars of the 17th century brought great misery to Graben. The Thirty Years' War from 1618 to 1648 took a heavy toll. In 1622, Graben had 145 citizens, by 1648 there were only 42 residents. In the War of the Grand Alliance (1688-1697), the French destroyed Graben, so that only the church, city hall and some buildings remained. The inhabitants of the village were forced into the forests and in the surrounding area. Peace, order and prosperity did not return until the middle of the 18th Century.

The village of Neudorf ("new village") resulted from merging two settlements, first noted in 1497 as "Nuwdorff".