The city of Koblenz, which celebrated its 2000th anniversary in 1992, was first established as a settlement in about 8 BC by the ancient Romans who built a military fort there.  The Romans, however, were not the first ever inhabitants of the area.  Ruins of settlements in the city's surrounding hills have been found dating back as far as 1000 BC. 

From the time of the Romans, Koblenz was the home, on and off, to several Frankish kings dating up to the 10th Century.  Then, from the 11th Century on, the city became the property of the Catholic Church via the Archbishop of Treves who was given the city by the Emperor Henry II.  Koblenz remained in the possession of archbishops until the 18th Century.  During this period the city prospered and became quite wealthy due to its favorable position on the Rhine River.  This was true even in spite of the fact that Koblenz suffered many foreign invasions and the toll of the Thirty Years' War.

From the 18th Century on Koblenz has been both occupied by the French and part of Germany several times.  The last time it came under French possession was after World War I.

Today the Rhine River Gorge in Koblenz is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The city attracts many visitors each year.