The vanished kingdom

Twice in this century, Germany sparked wars of unprecedented terror and destruction, with the defense of the “Prussian” realm perceived as the villain. Today, few grasp the precise meaning of “Prussia,” either geographically or nationally, yet its connotation evokes images of aggression and militarism. The territory once known as Prussia now constitutes a significant part of Eastern Europe, a region first claimed by the Teutonic Order's Christian knights. For centuries, its landscape has been marred by conflict and division. In the aftermath of World War II, nearly two million German refugees fled as Russian forces advanced, marking one of the largest civilian displacements of the war. With the Berlin Wall a relic and the Soviet Union disintegrating, this region remains in disarray. Modern travelers can finally explore and reflect on what Prussia was and has become. Writers James Charles Roy and Amos Elon, known for their curiosity, delve into this landscape, blending contemporary observations with poignant stories from the German and Prussian past. Their narrative is enriched by interviews and memories, evoking a profound sense of loss and nostalgia for lives filled with both turmoil and joy. The result is a deeper understanding of the fractured lands of today’s Eastern Europe.