The history of Jews in Germany dates back to the Roman Empire, with evidence of Jewish communities in cities like Cologne as early as the 4th century. Over the centuries, Jews faced various challenges, including restrictions on professions and living conditions, but they also contributed significantly to German culture, commerce, and intellectual life. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Jews in Germany experienced a period of relative prosperity and integration. However, this changed dramatically with the rise of the Nazi regime in the 1930s, leading to widespread persecution, the Holocaust, and the near destruction of Jewish life in Germany. After World War II, efforts were made to rebuild Jewish communities, which continue to evolve today.