In a curious display of enduring folklore and national gratitude, visitors to Potsdam, Germany, often engage in a distinctive tradition: leaving potatoes on the tomb of Frederick the Great. This peculiar ritual, observed by generations, perpetuates a deeply ingrained German myth crediting the 18th-century Prussian monarch with single-handedly introducing the […]
Tag: Frederick the Great
Many Germans believe Frederick the Great brought potatoes to the country. It’s not true
Many Germans widely credit Frederick the Great with introducing the humble potato, a staple deeply woven into the fabric of German cultural identity. This pervasive myth, however, obscures a far more intricate and nuanced historical truth. While the Prussian king undoubtedly played a pivotal role in popularizing the versatile tuber, […]