Køge was officially founded in 1288, when the town became a market town, as a contrast to the ecclesiastical center at that time – Roskilde, and was an important merchant town during the late Middle Ages.
During the local witch hunt, called Køge Huskors (1608–1615), at least 15 people were convicted of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Køge suffered during the wars between Denmark and Sweden (1643–1720). In 1807, the town and surrounding area was the scene of the Battle of Køge between British and Danish troops. Køge remained a small town until the late 19th century, when industrial development and population growth began. Today, Køge is the main part of the 18th largest urban area in Denmark
