A legend recorded by Johannes Aventinus (fl. 1525) holds that Duisburg, (along with Deutz, Cologne, Duisdorf in Bonn, and Doesburg in Holland, all on the Rhine's right bank) was built by the namesake Tuisto, mythical progenitor of Germans, ca. 2395 BC. There is nothing to establish any historical basis for such an early founding of Duisburg, which would make it among the earliest cities in Europe.
Latest archaeological studies show that the present-day market-place was already in use in the first century. It has been the major central trading place of the city since the 5th century. The city itself was located at the "Hellweg", an important medieval trade route, and at a ford across the River Rhine. The Romans already guarded the ford.
� 420 The Franks usurp the Roman settlement and re-colonise the old part of the town.
� 883 The Normans conquer Duisburg and stay for the winter. First historic document mentioning Duisburg.
Due to the town's favourable geographic position a palatinate was built and the town was soon granted the royal charter of a free city. Duisburg became a member of the Hanseatic League. Around 1000 the river Rhine moved westward from the city. This put an end to the city's development as a trading town and it soon grew into a quiet rural city. The productions of cartographer Gerardus Mercator and the foundation of a university in 1655 established the city's renown as "Educated Duisburg" ("Duisburgum Doctum").
� 1120 construction of the city wall
� 1279 "city charter" granted by King Lothar III
� 1445 attack by the Cologne Archbishop was thwarted
� 1566 Johannes Corputius completes his city map of Duisburg.
� 1666 Duisburg within the Duchy of Cleves becomes a part of Brandenburg-Prussia
The rise of tobacco and textile industries in the 18th century made
