The History of Cologne Podcast is a podcast that tells the story of the Germany’s fourth largest city (1.05 million people) and its 2,000 year long history. A triweekly schedule for episodes covering all eras from Roman times to current events.
#15 The Religions in Roman Cologne – About Mother Deities, Menorah and Jupiter
#15 The Religions in Roman Cologne – About Mother Deities, Menorah and Jupiter –
The History of Cologne
In this episode, we again leave the strict chronological narrative. We take a look at religion in ancient Cologne in Roman times. But here we have to speak in the plural. For not only is the Roman state religion predominant here, but a local cult of the Ubians is also extremely popular in the Colonia, dethroning even gods like Jupiter and Juno in terms of popularity. And then there are the many small, often exclusive cults from the Orient, which are introduced to the Rhine by soldiers who have traveled far and wide. We look at the oldest Jewish community in Europe north of the Alps, which is said to have existed around the year 300 at the latest. And we take a look at the early followers of a religion that is so completely different, a religion that knows only one God, but at the same time worships an executed Jewish carpenter as the savior of the world: the early Christians.
In this episode, we again leave the strict chronological narrative. We take a look at religion in ancient Cologne in Roman times. But here we have to speak in the plural. For not only is the Roman state religion predominant here, but a local cult of the Ubians is also extremely popular in the Colonia, dethroning even gods like Jupiter and Juno in terms of popularity. And then there are the many small, often exclusive cults from the Orient, which are introduced to the Rhine by soldiers who have traveled far and wide. We look at the oldest Jewish community in Europe north of the Alps, which is said to have existed around the year 300 at the latest. And we take a look at the early followers of a religion that is so completely different, a religion that knows only one God, but at the same time worships an executed Jewish carpenter as the savior of the world: the early Christians.
Ubian Matron Cult: The Mothers
Saturnalia
Cult of Mithras
Egyptian Godess Isis (not the terrorist organisation)
6 thoughts on “#15 The Religions in Roman Cologne – About Mother Deities, Menorah and Jupiter”
Hi Willem, I’ve been listening to your wonderful podcast since I discovered you (via Pontifax) about two months ago. I live in Atlanta now but used to live in Bonn for a few years, when it was still the capital, and loved Cologne. Great series, thank you! One question: We will be visiting friends in Bonn soon. Where is the Ubian Matron stone that you mentioned seeing in the woods around Bonn? I’d love to visit it.
Hi Marcus, thank you very much for your kind feedback. The Matronenstein (Ubian Matron Stones) are near Nettersheim but they are in the middle of the forest. Take some hiking shoes with you. It is like in nowhere but Bonn is still the next big town in that region. It takes like 50 minutes per car. (no highway, just rural roads) but I think it’s worth it! There is no real address for it but if you search “Matronenheiligtum Görresburg” in Google Maps, it should take you there. In very close proximity you can also visit several parts of the Roman aqueduct that transported water to Cologne 2,000 years ago. Maybe combine that with your trip to the Matron Stones. 🙂
I hope to get your feedback about the place soon!
Sorry, I meant the podcast “Pontifacts,” about the history of the popes. I think my autocorrect changed it and I didn’t notice. Their podcast often opens with recommendations for other history podcasts, and I believe you were mentioned there.
Hi, sorry, I meant the podcast “Pontifacts”, about the history of the popes. I’m pretty sure they mentioned you at one point in an episode. They make a habit of mentioning other history podcasts. Thanks again for the tip about the “Matronenheiligtum Görresburg”. I think we’ll go soon; it does not sound like there was any lasting flood damage to the site itself.
Oh wow, I didn’t know that. I have to get them some love as well then. If they had only told me I would have done that way sooner. The Matronenheiligtum is well and still there. An acquaintance of mine who is writing a book about goddesses was there just last week when summer solstice was! She also sent me pictures. Everything is fine there. 🙂
Hi Willem, I’ve been listening to your wonderful podcast since I discovered you (via Pontifax) about two months ago. I live in Atlanta now but used to live in Bonn for a few years, when it was still the capital, and loved Cologne. Great series, thank you! One question: We will be visiting friends in Bonn soon. Where is the Ubian Matron stone that you mentioned seeing in the woods around Bonn? I’d love to visit it.
Thanks,
Marcus
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Hi Marcus, thank you very much for your kind feedback. The Matronenstein (Ubian Matron Stones) are near Nettersheim but they are in the middle of the forest. Take some hiking shoes with you. It is like in nowhere but Bonn is still the next big town in that region. It takes like 50 minutes per car. (no highway, just rural roads) but I think it’s worth it! There is no real address for it but if you search “Matronenheiligtum Görresburg” in Google Maps, it should take you there. In very close proximity you can also visit several parts of the Roman aqueduct that transported water to Cologne 2,000 years ago. Maybe combine that with your trip to the Matron Stones. 🙂
I hope to get your feedback about the place soon!
Willem
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May I ask what you mean with “via Pontifex”? I have no idea what that might be 😀
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Sorry, I meant the podcast “Pontifacts,” about the history of the popes. I think my autocorrect changed it and I didn’t notice. Their podcast often opens with recommendations for other history podcasts, and I believe you were mentioned there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi, sorry, I meant the podcast “Pontifacts”, about the history of the popes. I’m pretty sure they mentioned you at one point in an episode. They make a habit of mentioning other history podcasts. Thanks again for the tip about the “Matronenheiligtum Görresburg”. I think we’ll go soon; it does not sound like there was any lasting flood damage to the site itself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow, I didn’t know that. I have to get them some love as well then. If they had only told me I would have done that way sooner. The Matronenheiligtum is well and still there. An acquaintance of mine who is writing a book about goddesses was there just last week when summer solstice was! She also sent me pictures. Everything is fine there. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person