Ore Mountains

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The mountains forming the border between Saxony and Bohemia with the “Keilberg” as highest peak were dominated by mining activities, starting in the 14th century. The name of the “Taler” and later “Dollar” can be traced back to the small town “Joachimsthal” (today “Jáchymov”), as silver coins were produced there. Due to the harsh climate the settlement only developed very slowly. Alongside old trade routes and in place of cleared forests, cultivated landscapes emerged and early villages and towns were founded.

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Due to the discovery of giant ore (= “Erz”) deposits, the Erz Montains became the center of mining in Central Europe. This development also resulted in increased immigration from inner Bohemia and of German miners. After the commotions caused by the Thirty Year´s War, mining declined, so the population had to earn their living by poor earnings of agriculture. Later the manufacturing of goods made of woods and wooden toys provided occupation and livelihood. The evolving industry of producing watches, machines, textiles and a rudimental tourism followed. Later on digging for cobalt, kaolin and uranium improved the economic situation.

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