Cologne, 1265 — a city under siege, its streets brimming with unrest and uneasy alliances. When political grudges spill over into the night, strange visions, whispered plots, and a deadly dance leave their mark on the medieval metropolis. In this episode, we follow archbishop Engelbert von Falkenburg who can’t stop picking fights, a city that won’t bow, and the shadowy hands fanning the flames in between. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Patreon Paypal-T...
Aug 11, 2025•40 min
In 1263, Cologne stood at a crossroads — again. Just a year after forcing Archbishop Engelbert II von Falkenburg into a peace agreement, the city found itself betrayed. Oaths had been made, sealed, and sworn before God. But behind the scenes, the archbishop plotted revenge — aided by papal absolution and secret plans to arrest the city’s leaders. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Jul 21, 2025•29 min
A Mayor of Cologne gets into a deadly trap in 1262 This episode is a gripping historical legend set in the year 1262 in Cologne, during a time of political upheaval and civic rebellion. At the heart of the tale is Hermann Gryn, a prominent city leader, who finds himself in a perilous and unexpected confrontation that tests his courage, skill, and loyalty to the city. My Voicemap-Tour through Roman Cologne: here Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Patreon Pa...
Jun 30, 2025•27 min
Now in full length! Now in full length! Sorry! From early morning mists on the Rhine to fish markets, merchant quarrels, and the echo of church bells, this episode immerses you in the sounds, sights, and stories of a single day in the city's economic center. Learn how trade, guilds, and the legendary Staple Law shaped Cologne’s rise to power—and follow merchant Jakob’s anxious wait for his long-overdue ship. A vivid journey through the rhythms of everyday life in medieval Europe Homepage: http:/...
Jun 12, 2025•23 min
How a Prison Break Became a Turning Point in Cologne’s History In 1259, Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden seized power in Cologne, overthrowing the city's patrician families and imprisoning several in Are Castle. After Konrad's death in 1261, the patricians hoped his successor, Engelbert II von Falkenburg, would restore their rights. However, despite early promises, Engelbert betrayed them, maintaining the city's control for himself. When relatives tried to free the prisoners, they were themselve...
Apr 28, 2025•31 min
In the 13th century, they were far more than just places of prayer: The convents of St Ursula, St Cäcilien and St Mary in the Capitol played a decisive role in shaping the spiritual, economic and cultural life of medieval Cologne. In this episode, we take a look at the lives of the aristocratic canonesses, their influence on education, land ownership and urban development - and why these women's convents can be seen as centres of female power in a male-dominated world. Homepage: http://thehistor...
Apr 07, 2025•29 min
A growing Jewish community, an archbishop who claimed to protect them, and a city caught in a power struggle A medieval document, not written on parchment, but carved in stone, still stands in Cologne Cathedral today. It granted rights—but also exposed a dangerous reality for the city’s Jewish population. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Mar 17, 2025•35 min
The Political Struggle Behind Cologne’s Economic Success In 1259, Cologne stood at a crossroads of power and trade. Amid deep political unrest and shifting alliances, a crucial privilege—the Staple Right—was granted, setting the stage for the city’s rise as a dominant economic force. But this wasn’t just about commerce; it was a high-stakes battle between the ruling archbishop, wealthy patricians, and the city’s discontented citizens. How did this privilege shape Cologne’s destiny for centuries ...
Feb 03, 2025•37 min
The Great Arbitration of 1258 in Cologne In 1257, the city of Cologne becomes the stage for a dramatic clash between its powerful Erzbischof, Konrad von Hochstaden, and the influential Cologne Kleingedank family. What begins as a calculated act of revenge soon spirals into a citywide conflict, testing the fragile balance of power between the city ruler, the archbishop, and the citizens of Cologne. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Patreon Paypal-Tip More ...
Jan 13, 2025•34 min
The Rhenish League of Cities and the Birth of Urban Influence in Medieval Europe in the 13th century Imagine a time when the empire was rudderless, the throne of the Holy Roman Empire empty, and the scramble for power rippled across every corner of the land. Princes, bishops, and nobles seized the moment to expand their influence, but in this chaos, an unexpected force began to rise—cities. And at the heart of this urban revolution was the year 1254, when towns along the Rhine defied the odds to...
Dec 23, 2024•34 min
An Arbitration made by Albertus Magnus prevents more bloodshed In 1252 the citizens of Cologne are fighting each other against their city lord, the Archbishop, again. This time even with warships and trebuchets firing at the city! The topic of the dispute? Money! But not a certain amount, but money in general. The currency of Cologne, the Cologne Penny, a key currency in northwestern Europe is in danger! Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon P...
Dec 04, 2024•29 min
Behind the construction of Cologne Cathedral lies a story of medieval ingenuity, hard labor, and decades ,later centuries, of dedication. Learn more about the methods, the workers, and the challenges that shaped one of Europe’s greatest Gothic structures. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Nov 04, 2024•30 min
Exploring the Legacy of Cologne’s Intellectual Giant of the 13th century In this episode, we take a look at the life and legacy of Albertus Magnus, the renowned medieval scholar who shaped Cologne's intellectual history. Learn how he blended faith with reason, contributed to natural science, and became part of the legend surrounding the construction of Cologne Cathedral. Was Albertus really behind the city's most iconic structure? Join us as we uncover the man, the myth, and his enduring influen...
Oct 14, 2024•26 min
Master Gerhard's ambition to complete Cologne Cathedral leads him to a perilous pact with the devil, ultimately outwitting the fiend but leaving the cathedral forever unfinished. In this episode, we dive into the captivating legend of Master Gerhard, the first master builder of Cologne Cathedral in the 13th century. Discover how Gerhard’s ambition led him to a dangerous pact with the devil, the clever trick that saved his soul, and the enduring mystery surrounding his life and work. Homepage: ht...
Sep 23, 2024•22 min
A deliberately lit fire destroys the the 500 year old Cathedral It was a dramatic end of Cologne’s Old Cathedral in 1248. Discover how a catastrophic fire brought down this medieval masterpiece of a building, clearing the way for the iconic Gothic structure that would redefine the city's skyline up until today. Instagram-Account by Peregrinatio Religiosa Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link...
Sep 02, 2024•43 min
How a Captured Archbishop Outmaneuvered His Enemies in 1242 In this episode, we explore the dramatic capture and imprisonment of Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden by the Count of Jülich in 1242. Discover how one of Cologne's most powerful medieval figures navigated treacherous political waters, outmaneuvered his enemies, and secured his release, all while shaping the future of the Rhineland and Cologne. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Pay...
Aug 12, 2024•38 min
The future Empress visits High Medieval Cologne Explore the grand welcome of Princess Isabella of England in Cologne on May 24, 1235, as the city celebrated her arrival with festivities, jousting, and a display of its diverse social classes. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Jul 15, 2024•35 min
A beleaguered city lord tries to drive out Cologne's most powerful patrician family Explore the political turmoil of 13th century Cologne as powerful patrician families, like the Weise von der Mühlengasse, clash with the archbishopric. Discover the conflicts, accusations, and street battles that shaped the city's future and altered the balance of power among its elite. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to thi...
Jun 24, 2024•33 min
Cologne's biggest city square get its own special episode We explore the history of the Neumarkt Square. Meaning "New Market" in English, the square is not that new anymore. Founded in 1076 it has seen a lot since then. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Jun 03, 2024•44 min
How Cologne's eastern neighbour has had a lasting influence on the city In this episode we dive into the first dynasty of Berg (1060-1225) and how they shaped Cologne's history. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
May 13, 2024•35 min
From Triumph to Tragedy: The Life and Death of Engelbert From wielding both spiritual and secular authority to navigating treacherous political landscapes, Engelbert's (1185-1225) story is one of ambition, intrigue, and enduring fascination. Join us as we unravel the captivating saga of this enigmatic historical figure. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Apr 22, 2024•41 min
An episode about relics, trade, politics and guilds Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Apr 01, 2024•37 min
Reconquer Jerusalem with children and without violence? That was the plan in 1212 in Cologne Even 800 years on, this idea still horrifies me. Hundreds, if not thousands, of children are said to have run away to follow an underage preacher from Cologne called St Nicholas to Jerusalem. The destination? The reconquest of Jerusalem. Without weapons and mainly with children. In this episode, you will find out what is true and what the background is. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Me...
Feb 26, 2024•34 min
In 1205 the German Throne Dispute is raging on with Cologne in the middle of it Two Kings, Philipp of Swabia of the Hohenstaufen and Otto IV of the Welfs, are fighting for the crown in the empire. If the German Throne Dispute around 1200 was not complicated enough, two Cologne Archbishops are also fighting for their, in their eyes, rightful place, as Cologne's city ruler. Adolf of Altena vs. Bruno of Sayn. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon...
Feb 05, 2024•39 min
It is only thanks to Cologne's help that Otto IV can continue to assert himself in the power struggle for the crown of the empire. The German Throne Dispute at the beginning of the 13th century continues and Cologne is right in the middle of it. The German Throne Dispute was a complex struggle for power and legitimacy in the Holy Roman Empire. After the death of Emperor Henry VI in 1197, a conflict broke out over the succession between the Guelphs, represented by Otto IV, and the Hohenstaufen dy...
Jan 15, 2024•29 min
For Christmas and the year coming to an end I give you two Cologne legends 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. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Dec 25, 2023•27 min
Cologne's economic interests cause a twenty-year dispute over the throne When emperor Henry VI dies with just 32 years in 1197, the empire gets into a 20 years long dispute over the throne. And Cologne has a major part in it. Why? Because of economic interests. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Dec 04, 2023•40 min
Why is the ugliest square in Cologne named after an emperor from the 12th century? The Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Frederick I Barbarossa was a promoter of Cologne's development. Even though he often sided against the city on the Rhine river. Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Nov 13, 2023•31 min
As a teenager, have you ever had a party when your parents weren't at home? This or something similar is also the behaviour of Cologne 1179 Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Oct 23, 2023•45 min
An economic dispute breaks out in 1169 with Flemish cities - Help comes from Henry II of England English King Henry II saves Cologne in 1176 from an economic dispute the city was going to loose. Why and how? Learn more about it in this episode Homepage: http://thehistoryofcologne.com/ Social Media: Instagram Facebook Twitter Patreon Paypal-Tip More Info and Links to this podcast: Link here...
Oct 02, 2023•43 min
