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Rüsselsheim mourns the loss of medievalist Ernst Erich Metzner

A pillar of Rüsselsheim’s intellectual life is gone. His decades of work uncovered the city’s past—and inspired generations to cherish its history.

This is a collage photo and here we can see buildings and we can see some text.
This is a collage photo and here we can see buildings and we can see some text.

Rüsselsheim mourns the loss of medievalist Ernst Erich Metzner

Professor Ernst Erich Metzner, a respected medievalist and recipient of the Rüsselsheim Cultural Prize, has died. Known for his deep ties to the city, he spent decades researching its history and contributing to local cultural life. His work spanned academia, politics, and community engagement in Rüsselsheim and beyond.

Born in 1938 in Hillersdorf (now Krnov, Czech Republic), Metzner moved with his family to Raunheim before settling in Rüsselsheim. After completing his education at Immanuel Kant School, he pursued studies in German philology, history, political science, and Scandinavian studies. He later taught at the University of Frankfurt, where his expertise in medieval history earned him recognition.

Metzner’s death leaves a gap in Rüsselsheim’s cultural and academic circles. His research, teaching, and public service shaped the city’s understanding of its past. The legacy of his work—from scholarly publications to civic contributions—will remain a lasting part of Rüsselsheim’s history.

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