#9 SPQR in CCAA – How the Romans Ruled Ancient Cologne – The History of Cologne

In this episode, we get a brief overview of how the Romans ruled ancient Cologne. Chronologically, the episode is not firmly docked to a date. In the context of our podcast so far, however, it describes political Cologne at the end of the 1st century AD, several decades after Vitellius and the Batavian Revolt. The Roman rule is consolidated and the Romans finally acknowledge in 85 AD that they will not conquer the Rhine side on the right bank of the Rhine. A good time to take a closer look at the political system of ancient Cologne and its surroundings. Especially the city senate, the high government offices of the city, and the governor will be examined more closely. This fits well because in the next episode we will talk about the great Roman Trajan, who becomes governor of Cologne here in 98 AD. There he will be surprised to learn that he has become the new emperor. In contrast to Vitellius, however, in a completely legal way. But Trajan is, as already mentioned, the subject of the next episode.

In this episode, we get a brief overview of how the Romans ruled ancient Cologne. Chronologically, the episode is not firmly docked to a date. In the context of our podcast so far, however, it describes political Cologne at the end of the 1st century AD, several decades after Vitellius and the Batavian Revolt. The Roman rule is consolidated and the Romans finally acknowledge in 85 AD that they will not conquer the Rhine side on the right bank of the Rhine. A good time to take a closer look at the political system of ancient Cologne and its surroundings. Especially the city senate, the high government offices of the city and the governor will be examined more closely.

This fits well because in the next episode we will talk about the great Roman Trajan, who becomes governor of Cologne here in 98 AD. There he will be surprised to learn that he has become the new emperor. In contrast to Vitellius, however, in a completely legal way. But Trajan is, as already mentioned, the subject of the next episode. (next episode: 8th June)

Listen to this episode:

Cologne and the province of Lower Germania (highlighted in red, next to “Germania Magna”) Click to enlarge the map!

Emperor Domitian creates the province of Lower Germania between 85-90 with Cologne as its capital. Source: Jastrow (2006), Gemeinfrei, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1222636 Click to enlarge the picture!

The Praetorium

#101 Founding of Düsseldorf and the Aftermath of Worringen – The History of Cologne

In this episode, we explore the aftermath of the Battle of Worringen and the bold move by Count Adolf V of Berg that changed the Rhineland forever. Discover how a power vacuum—created by the imprisonment of the Archbishop of Cologne—led to the birth of Düsseldorf as a town on August 14, 1288. We dive into the tactical errors and turning points of one of the Middle Ages' greatest knightly battles, where the forces of Brabant, Berg, and the citizens of Cologne triumphed over the Archbishop’s coalition. The discussion covers the long-term consequences of this victory, including the de facto independence of Cologne, the rise of the House of Berg as a sovereign power, and how these events shaped the enduring rivalry between Cologne and Düsseldorf.

1. #101 Founding of Düsseldorf and the Aftermath of Worringen 28:12
2. #100 The Battle of Worringen 1288 41:39
3. #99 The Great Treason of 1288 – Cologne joins the Battle of Worringen 33:47
4. #98 A Who’s Who of the Battle of Worringen 1288 34:02
5. #97 The Limburg War of Succession 26:33