In Carolinian times the Thuringian town of Mühlhausen was the haunt of emperors and kings. It became a Reichsstadt in 1180 and a member of the Hanse in 1418. J. S. Bach {see planet  (1814)} was an organist here during 1707–1708. The intact city is a jewel of town planning in medieval times. (M 38199) _ _.