The boundary that split East and West Germany has deep historical roots, as it parallels ancient divisions between the Frankish and Slavonic tribes during the Middle Ages. This suggests that the line is not merely a modern construct but is influenced by long-standing cultural and tribal differences.
In this context, the frontier can be seen as a reflection of historical identity rather than an arbitrary division. Robert D. Kaplan's "The Revenge of Geography" emphasizes that geography and history shape human conflict and relations, highlighting the complexity behind national boundaries.