Soest is the oldest city in Westphalia. It was a medieval metropolis, a suburb of the Hanseatic League, and ruled over its own territory along the Hellweg, the Soester Börde. Soest is presented and explained through a series of maps that cover topics from urban archaeology to early modern transformations (the Soest Feud, the Reformation) and the first published "Urkataster" of the early 19th century, extending into modern times (administrative and welfare buildings, war destruction, monument preservation). The city atlas contrasts the "old town," shaped by its walls, with numerous novel aspects. Based on the latest research findings, regional history is made tangible, and local development is made comparable, illustrated through maps, written sources, views, photographs, and other historical documents. A colorful booklet contains a current contribution, richly illustrated with many visual sources, detailing the historical-topographical development of the city from its beginnings to the present day.