Political map of Germany, with state boundaries, capitals, and major cities (more) Map of Germany Written by Michael Ray Michael Ray is an assistant managing editor who has worked at Britannica since 2003. In addition to leading the Geography and History team, he oversees coverage of European history and military affairs.... Michael Ray Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated June 4, 2026 •History It is believed that Julius Caesar, in his commentarii on the Gallic Wars, was the first person to have described the peoples living near the Rhine as “Germans.” The idea of a German people and nation would persist—manifesting politically in a variety of duchies and kingdoms, many of which would be incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire—but almost 2,000 years would pass before a united Germany would take shape and forever change the map of...

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