Amt/Hauptstadt Neuss

Stadt and Amt Zons

Neuss was the site of a major Roman fort at the junction of the Rhein and Erft rivers. During the Carolingian period, it was the center of the Nievenheimgau and was acquired by the Archbishop of Cologne in the mid-11th century. It became the site from which the Electorate of Cologne collected tolls on the Rhein in 1138 and received city rights in 1190. During the late 13th century even achieved temporary independence from the Electorate of Cologne. It eventually became the capital of the Lower Archbishopric (probably in the late 15th century). It was part of the Electorate throughout the period covered by the database.

 

Between 1405 and 1680, Neuss was governed together with Unteramt Erprath. During that period, I characterize the combination of the Stadt and Unteramt as Amt Neuss. After 1680, when Erprath was transferred to Amt Hülchrath, I characterize Neuss as simply a Hauptstadt.

 

In response to Neuss’s independent streak, the Electorate moved the Rhein toll site upstream in 1372 to Zons, which was promptly granted city rights. A small Amt was created from nearby villages.