Estonian Germans are a group of ethnic Germans who settled in Estonia during the 13th century and later. They played a significant role in the region's cultural and economic development, particularly in Tallinn, the capital. Many Estonian Germans were landowners, merchants, and influential in local governance. After the Russian Revolution and the subsequent changes in the Baltic region, the population of Estonian Germans declined significantly. Many emigrated to Germany or other countries, especially during the 20th century. Today, their legacy remains in Estonian culture, architecture, and language, although the community is much smaller than in the past.