Rhine River
The Rhine River
Location
The Rhine River begins in Switzerland in the Swiss Alps and flows into the North Sea.
Size
It is a principal river of Europe and is about 820 miles long.
Discovery
Although no one person is credited with discovering the Rhine, it is known that Julius Caesar once built a timber bridge across it.
How it got its name
There are two glacier top mountains in the Swiss Alps that primarily feed the river. One is named Hinter Rhine and the other is the Vorder Rhine which were the basis for being named the Rhine River.
Interesting Facts
Along the Rhine you will see many large and beautiful castles which were used for protection during the Middle Ages when the surrounding countries were often at was with one another. Today those same castles attract many visitors up and down the Rhine.
Bibliography
Copyright © 1994-2000 Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc. Copyright Michael Busselle--Tony Stone Images
Created By: Krissy
Date Created: September 29, 2000
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