Fifty years ago, the first volume of the Handbook of Bavarian History - the legendary "Spindler" - was published. Today, the first volume of this indispensable standard work is being released, completely rewritten and reflecting the latest research. The diverse range of topics spans from the natural conditions and environmental factors that have shaped Bavaria's development from the very beginning to the cultural life of the Staufer period. Fascinating chapters are dedicated to prehistory up to the end of the Celtic kingdoms and the Roman era, during which parts of today's Bavarian territory (Raetia) served as a staging area for legions against encroaching barbarians. The ethnogenesis of the Bavarians, the formation of the Agilolfinger dynasty, Bavaria's position in the medieval empire, the role of the Carolingians, Liudolfingers, Salian dynasty, and Welfs, as well as the spread of Christianity, are also explored.