Electorate of Trier

State · 1333–1618 CE · at its largest around 1556 CE

An ecclesiastical principality of the Holy Roman Empire ruled by the Archbishop of Trier, one of the seven prince-electors who chose the King of the Romans.

On its lands while it lasted

Golden Bull of 1356 (1356 CE): Imperial decree that fixed the election of the Holy Roman Emperor by seven prince-electors.
Free City of Frankfurt (1372–1866 CE): Capital of Confederation of the Rhine (1809–1813), German Confederation (1815–1863).
Johannes Gutenberg (c. 1400 CE – 1468 CE): German goldsmith from Mainz who introduced printing with movable metal type to Europe.
Printing press (c. 1440 CE): Gutenberg's press with movable metal type made mass production of books possible, transforming the spread of knowledge in Europe.
Gutenberg Bible (1455 CE): The first major book printed in Europe with movable metal type, completed by Johannes Gutenberg’s workshop in Mainz by 1455. About 180 copies were printed, and fewer than 50 survive.
Dürer’s Rhinoceros (1515 CE): Albrecht Dürer never saw the Indian rhinoceros sent to Lisbon in 1515; he drew it from a letter and a sketch, armour-plated and with a horn on its back. His woodcut was Europe’s picture of a rhinoceros for centuries.
Diet of Worms (1521 CE): At this imperial assembly in Worms in 1521, Martin Luther refused to recant his writings before Emperor Charles V. The resulting Edict of Worms declared him an outlaw.