See Also: Hesse, Eva(encyclopedia)
Hesse(encyclopedia)
Hesse, Hermann(encyclopedia)
Hesse (as used in expressions)(encyclopedia)
Philip of Hesse(encyclopedia)
Hesse, Hermann(dictionary)

Hesse (sh)




German Hessen

State (pop., 2002 est.: 6,077,826), west-central Germany.

It occupies an area of 8,152 sq mi (21,114 sq km). Its capital is Wiesbaden. It was formed in 1945 through the amalgamation of former Prussian provincial units. The Hessians are thought to be descended from the Frankish tribe of the Chatti, who were Christianized by St. Boniface in the early 8th century AD. Hesse was twice partitioned in the 15th century, but Philip of Hesse reunited the territory. The area has small farms, and the state's industries are centred in the Rhine-Main area. The ruins of many castles and old churches and palaces are on the banks of the Weser River.