The first documentary mention of "Cothene" dates to 1115; by 1194 it was already known as a market town, becoming a seat of the princes of Anhalt.
O primeiro documento que fai mención de "Cothene" data do ano 1115; en torno a 1194 xa era coñecida como un núcleo comercial, converténdose no trono dos príncipes de Anhalt.