COLOGNE (ko-lon'), German, Köln (keuln), a city of Rhenish Prussia, on the left bank of the Rhine, forming, in connection with Deutz, which serves as a tete-du-pont of the opposite side of the river (across which are several bridges), a fortress of the first rank.
The most important edifice is the cathedral, begun in 1248, one of the finest and largest Gothic structures in Europe. It was only completed in the 19th century, there being expended on it in 1828-1884 over $5,000,000. It is in the form of a cross; its entire length is about 445 feet; breadth, 200 feet; height to ridge of roof, 202 feet; height of the two western towers, between which is a grand portal, 520 feet, being thus among the highest edifices in the world. The council-house, museum, and Gross St. Martin Church with its imposing tower should also be mentioned. The manufac tures before the World War embraced sugar, tobacco, glue, carpets, leather, machinery, chemicals, pianos, and the celebrated Eau de Cologne. The trade
by river and railway was very great. Cologne was occupied by the British Army of Occupation following the ar mistice of November, 1918.
Cologne is of pre-Christian origin, and was originally called Oppidum Ubiorum, being the chief town of the Ubii, a Ger man tribe. The Romans made it a colony A. D. 51, and called it Colonic Agrippina (whence the name Cologne). It was annexed to the German Empire in 870, and became one of the most power ful and wealthy cities of the Hanseatic League, but latterly it declined. In 1792 it ceased to be a free city. It was taken by the French in 1794, ceded to them by the Treaty of Luneville in 1801, and an nexed to Prussia in 1814. Pop. about 520,000.