Brandenburg formed the core of the modern German state. Around the royal and later Imperial capital of Berlin, the state grew from an impoverished medieval colony to form a European great power. The region is formed from three medieval marches, which represent the progress of German colonization over the 12-14th centuries. Beyond Berlin, the region is known for its cultural landscapes of beautiful riverside towns and inspiring palace and garden complexes.
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Altmark
The Altmark on this map represents the Altmark proper, and the region of Prignitz. Both regions are essentially ancient borderlands between the Saxon and Slavic Tribes. The word “Mark” translates to “March” or “Margraviate” and is a title granted to a border state, and is higher than a County but Lower than a Duchy. Hence …
Mittelmark
The Mittelmark covers the region between the Havel and Oder Rivers and forms the core of Brandenburg. It is one of three regions that formed the Kurmark, or “Electoral March” referring to Brandenburg’s status as an elector for the Holy Roman Emperor. Brandenburg itself also held the territories of the Neumark, which now lie in …
Uckermark
The Uckermark was formerly a slightly larger region encompassing the region between Mecklenburg and the Oder river. The name Uckermark comes from the name of the original Slavic inhabitants, the “Ukranen,” and translates roughly as the “Ukranen March.” It was colonized by Saxon settlers in the 13th century who founded the city of Prenzlau on …
