Mainz

Mainz (pop. 189,400), city in west-central Germany. As the capital of the state of Rhineland-Palatinate state, it is located on a junction of two German rivers, the Rhine and the Main. Originally a Roman camp (1st century B.C.), it became an important religious and printing center in medieval times and a fortress for the German Empire (1873–1918). The city is known as home to historic buildings, a center for German Rhine wines, and manufacturing (e.g., motor vehicles and chemicals).