First settled by Celts and Romans, the city is rich in historical associations and is thought to be the birthplace of Charlemagne. During his reign as emperor (800-814), Charlemagne built his palace and cathedral in Aachen, and made the city a center of Carolingian culture, initiating the first great cultural renaissance at the end of the Dark Ages. Thirty-two emperors of the Holy Roman Empire were crowned in the city from 813 to 1531. During the French Revolution (1789-1799) Aachen was occupied by the French and in 1801 was formally ceded to France. After the defeat of Napoleon in 1815, Aachen was acquired by Prussia. The city was the first in Germany to be taken by United States forces during World War II (1939-1945), and was badly damaged by air raids and ground fighting. It was largely rebuilt by 1966. Each year in May, the Charlemagne Prize for contributions to European unity is awarded in Aachen. Population 247,113 (1997).Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Aachen Information info
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