Ronneburg Castle

The first documented mention of Ronneburg Castle dates back to 1231, although the Staufer defensive structure is likely older. It may have been built as early as the early 12th century by Gerlach I von Büdingen or, at the latest, in the first half of the 13th century by Gerlach II von Büdingen. Its purpose was to secure the surrounding judicial districts and important trade routes. After the extinction of the Lords of Büdingen in the male line around 1247, the castle passed to the House of Hohenlohe before the 14th century. Gottfried III von Hohenlohe-Brauneck sold it to the Archbishopric of Mainz in 1313, which then pledged the castle to the Knights of Rockenberg from 1327. During this period, the complex was expanded. Between 1339 and 1356, the castle was again under the administration of the Archbishopric, with further additions and alterations. From 1424, Ronneburg was pledged again, this time to the Count of Hanau. In 1476, the Archbishop of Mainz, Diether von Ysenburg, transferred the castle to his brother, Count Ludwig II von Ysenburg-Büdingen. After Ludwig's death in 1511, a war of succession from 1517 caused tensions in the Büdingen region.