Dresden: A City Lost Dresden was once called, "Florence on the Elbe," before the widespread destruction sustained during the war and was numbered among the most beautiful cities in the world, noted for its architecture and great art treasures. On the eve of February 13, 1945, phosphorus and high explosive bombs devastated the city. "Everyone was convinced, that there would be no attack here." (Owings, 191) Dresden was of no means a principal military point, furthermore, the majority of its inhabitants actually believed that they would endure the war unharmed. Initially, the alleged reasoning for Dresden being bombed seemed to be related wi