TerezĂ­n was established at the end of the 18th century as a fortress; still surrounded by its massive ramparts, the town lies at the confluence of the rivers Labe (Elbe) and Ohøe (Eger).The Main and Lesser Fortresses at TerezĂ­n, although modern for their period, gradually became obsolete, and having lost their military function fell into disregard. Only in the relatively recent past has TerezĂ­n once again entered the world's public consciousness as a tragic symbol of the sufferings of the tens of thousands of innocent people who died here during the Nazi occupation of their homeland.