#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

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

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 Jewish population faced, but also about phases of cooperation and joint action.

1. #57 Shadow and Light: The Jewish Community in Cologne in the 12th Century 48:30
2. #56 From Economic Power to Political Dominance – Cologne's Brotherhood of the Rich in the 12th century 48:32
3. #55 Rupert of Deutz and the Fire of 1128 24:09
4. #54 Who owns the city? (in the 12th century) 01:04:04
5. #53 When the church bells in Cologne were silenced: The Interdict of 1119 38:00