Franconia, the land between the Spessart and Fichtel Mountains, between the Danube and the Main, has always been a contested area. Kings and princes, bishops and citizens, knights and lords fought for power here. This led to a region with many centers but without central authority. Franconia was "multi-ruled" until it lost its inherent freedom to Bavaria at the beginning of the 19th century. Thanks to its economic strength, it was able to assert itself and has now found its place in Europe as a metropolitan region.