From wielding both spiritual and secular authority to navigating treacherous political landscapes, Engelbert's story is one of ambition, intrigue, and enduring fascination. Join us as we unravel the captivating saga of this enigmatic historical

#70 A short walk through Cologne in the first half of the 13th century

26 days ago 36m 40s

An episode about relics, trade, politics and guilds

#69 The Children's Crusade from 1212

Feb 26th, 2024 34m 21s

A young boy in Cologne preaches that he wants to retake Jerusalem. But not with force but with only singing and praying.

#68 Two Archbishops and Two Kings - The German Throne Dispute

Feb 5th, 2024 39m 22s

#67 Surrounded by Enemies - Cologne in the German Throne Dispute

Jan 15th, 2024 28m 45s

The German Throne Dispute at the beginning of the 13th century continues and Cologne is right in the middle of it.

#66 The Legend of Hermann Josef and the Apple

Dec 25th, 2023 26m 45s

Young Hermann Josef is a poor boy at the end of the 12th century. But his life changes when he offers an apple to a statue of St. Mary.

#65 The Throne Dispute of 1198

Dec 4th, 2023 39m 40s

Henry VI died far too young in 1197. Who will become the next emperor? His three year old son? But Cologne has other plans.

#64 Emperor Barbarossa and Cologne

Nov 13th, 2023 30m 54s

Emperor Frederick I, also known as Barbarossa, was not always the best friend of Cologne. Nonetheless he was very important for Cologne's development in the Middle Ages. Learn more about it in this episode.

#63 Cologne's sneaky city expansion of 1179

Oct 23rd, 2023 44m 38s

An absentee lord prompted the citizens of Cologne to expand the city in 1179. They did so by doubling the size of the city with the largest medieval city wall in Europe at the time. Unfortunately, the mayor had not been asked for permission. Fi

#62 How England made Cologne's merchants rich in the 12th century

Oct 2nd, 2023 42m 33s

From 1169 to 1178 Flemish cities in what is today Belgium were in a dispute with the city of Cologne about trade and the use of the Rhine River. At first, Cologne seems to lose this economic dispute but then they get help from the English king

#61 Sacred Treasures: Medieval Shrines and Their Significance in Cologne

Sep 11th, 2023 45m 13s

Join me as we delve into the intricate craftsmanship and profound significance of medieval shrines. Discover the artistry, devotion, and cultural impact of these sacred treasures that once graced the city. And in many cases even today. And why,

#60 How the Three Holy Kings came to Cologne Cathedral

Aug 21st, 2023 46m 11s

An important chapter in Cologne's history is decided in faraway Milan. Rebellious Milan is sacked by imperial troops in 1162. However, the leader of the army, Rainald von Dassel, does not have gold or silver in mind when he subsequently plunder

#59 How to build a Church in Cologne's Romanesque Century (1150-1250)

Jul 10th, 2023 59m 4s

Join us on an extraordinary journey back in time as we delve into the fascinating world of Romanesque architecture and the construction of magnificent churches in medieval Cologne. In this episode we reveal the secrets of Cologne's Romanesque C

#58 The Scrooge McDuck of Cologne: Flour, Pennies, and Quirky Nicknames in 12th Century Cologne

Jun 19th, 2023 50m 23s

Step back in time and delve into the vibrant tapestry of everyday life in 12th century Cologne. In this captivating episode, we'll whisk you away from the halls of power, bypassing bishops, kings, and emperors, to shine a light on the lives of

#57 Shadow and Light: The Jewish Community in Cologne in the 12th Century

May 29th, 2023 48m 30s

In this episode, we immerse ourselves in 12th century medieval Cologne and explore the fascinating life of the Jewish community that existed in the midst of a predominantly Christian majority society. We learn about the everyday hostilities the

#56 From Economic Power to Political Dominance - Cologne's Brotherhood of the Rich in the 12th century

May 8th, 2023 48m 32s

A look into how wealthy citizens of different classes also became rulers that could challenge the city lord. This episode tells the story of how the Cologne "Richerzeche" (brotherhood of the Rich) transformed from a group of merchants, unfree m

#55 Rupert of Deutz and the Fire of 1128

Apr 17th, 2023 24m 9s

In 1128, a devastating fire broke out in the town of Deutz, which lies on the other side of the Rhine from Cologne, reducing the town to rubble. But what was the reason for this devastating fire?

#54 Who owns the city? (in the 12th century)

Mar 27th, 2023 1h 4m

In this episode, we delve into 12th century Cologne and take a look at the various institutions that administered and governed the city during this time. We start with the offices and institutions of the archbishop, who thus exercises his role

#53 When the church bells in Cologne were silenced: The Interdict of 1119

Mar 6th, 2023 38m

In 1119, the Archbishop of Cologne, Frederick I of Schwarzenburg, imposed an interdict on the city of Cologne and its inhabitants. This ecclesiastical punishment was intended to punish the citizens of Cologne for their disobedience to the archb

#52 The History of Cologne Carnival - 200th Anniversary

Feb 11th, 2023 1h 10m

Experience a time travel through 200 years of Cologne Carnival! From its beginnings to the present day, we will explore the history of Cologne's famous cheerfulness, celebrate its traditions and customs, and understand why Carnival in Cologne i

#51 Exploring 12th Century Cologne: A Virtual Walk through Time

Jan 30th, 2023 45m 16s

Step back in time and join us on a journey through the bustling streets of medieval Cologne. In this episode of our podcast, we transport you to the year 1100 AD, where you'll experience the sights, sounds, and stories of one of Europe's most v

#50 "Don’t mess with us!" City Expansion and Siege of Cologne in 1106

Jan 9th, 2023 40m 55s

The year 1106 is an important milestone in the history of Cologne. The people of Cologne skilfully exploit the dynastic conflict of the empire between father and son, thus circumventing the will of their own archbishop/city ruler, maintain lega

#49 Between Toleration and Persecution: Jewish Life around 1100 AD: The Pogrom of 1096 and the First Crusade

Dec 19th, 2022 41m 32s

We will talk this episode about a small but significant minority in medieval Cologne of the late 11th/ early 12th century. The Jewish community of Cologne.

#48 Germany in the 2nd half of the 11th century - Interview /w Dirk Hoffmann-Becking from History of the Germans Podcast

Nov 28th, 2022 52m 24s

This episode I would like to take a more general look at this turbulent time, the second half of the 11th century. Which developments shaped this time, medieval Germany and to what extent they affected Anno and also the city of Cologne. But al

#47 Anno‘s Revenge - The Archbishop strikes back 1074 AD

Nov 7th, 2022 57m 51s

The Archbishop of Cologne Anno II (1056-1075) was chased out of the city by an angry mob after incurring the wrath of the merchant class. In neighboring Neuss, the prince of the church and the empire ponders revenge and gathers a large army to