By the 15th century, the Hohenzollerns ruled from Brandenburg, maintaining palatial residences in Potsdam and later on in Berlin itself. This dynasty not only increased trade and subsequent wealth, but established Berlin as a political power.

Berlin’s tumultuous history actually began with the Thirty Years War, a time when many cities in Germany were largely destroyed. By the 17th century however, Berlin had regained its strength and position under the rule of Friedrich Wilhelm. His son, Friedrich I, was to become the first Prussian king, making Berlin his capital. The city flourished during his time, as much was spent on the arts and beautification programmes.

The Soviets blockaded West Berlin in 1948 and the famous Berlin Airlift was required to keep the city provisioned. In the following year, East Berlin, under Soviet domination, became the capital of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Later, in August 1961, the Berlin Wall appeared suddenly, as a means to prevent residents of East Berlin from escaping to the West.

Finally, in 1989 the Wall came down and on 9 November of that year, Germany was re-unified. Many German families had been split up when the Wall was built and those still living experienced a bittersweet reunion. The German government moved its seat from Bonn to Berlin in 1991, re-establishing it as the seat of power.