Erfurt was first mentioned in 742 under the name of "Erphesfurt". It was an important trading town during the Middle Ages near a ford across the Gera river. Together with the other five Thuringian woad-towns of Gotha, Tennstedt, Arnstadt and Langensalza it was the centre of the German woad trade. In 1392 Erfurt University was founded, which was famous in its time but became defunct in 1816. In 1803 Erfurt became a part of Prussia. Although enclosed by Thuringian territory, the city remained Prussian until 1945. After German reunification Erfurt became the capital of the re-established state of Thuringia.
In contrast to most other major German cities, Erfurt suffered only limited damage from Allied air raids during World War II.
On April 26, 2002 the student Robert Steinhäuser killed 13 teachers, 2 students, a policeman and himself at the Gutenberg-Gymnasium school (see Erfurt massacre).