Essen

Essen (pop. 626,100), city in western Germany, on the Ruhr River. Established in the 9th century around a convent, it became an industrial center in the 19th century. The Krupp steelworks company, located in Essen, was a major arms manufacturer during both world wars, and much of Essen was destroyed by Allied bombings during World War II.

See also: Germany.