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University and Hanseatic City of Rostock - Moving History on the Baltic Sea

Rostock is a city in northern Germany and has a long and interesting history. The foundation of the city dates back to 1218, when Prince Heinrich Borwin II of Mecklenburg elevated the settlement on the lower reaches of the Warnow River to a market and granted it the Lübische Stadtrecht.

In the following centuries, Rostock developed into an important trading center on the Baltic Sea. The city belonged to the Hanseatic League, a trade alliance of northern German cities, and benefited from its access to the sea and its location on the important trade routes between Scandinavia, Russia, and Western Europe.

In the 16th century, Rostock was affected by the impact of the Reformation. The city became Protestant and disputes arose with neighboring Catholic countries. During the Thirty Years' War, Rostock was besieged and badly damaged several times

In the 19th century, Rostock experienced an economic boom. The city became an important industrial site and numerous factories, shipyards and trading companies were established. During this time, the port was also expanded and modernized to handle the increasing trade.

During World War II, Rostock was heavily bombed and many historic buildings were destroyed. After the war, the city became part of East Germany and experienced intense urbanization and industrialization in the following decades.

After the reunification of Germany in 1990, Rostock became part of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The city has since developed into an important tourist center, known for its historic old town, its beaches on the Baltic Sea and its cultural events. Today, Rostock is a vibrant city with a rich history and diverse culture.