Dive with me into the time of the “Migration Period.” The time from 375 to about 570, because not only in the Far East of the Roman Empire people are experiencing the effects of this time. Our Cologne on the Rhine will also soon realize that significant upheavals are about to take place. But until now, Cologne is still a safe place. Time to look at two men that left their footprint on late antique Cologne: the military commander Arbogast and the Christian bishop Severin of Cologne.

Theophanu – The History of Cologne

How did the young Byzantine princess Theophanu become the richest woman in Europe at only 12 years old at the end of the 10th century? And how did she become the most powerful woman in Europe at the age of 24, with far-reaching effects on European history? In this episode, we will look at her breathtaking life and, of course, at the end, what all this actually has to do with Cologne itself.

1. Theophanu 01:02:17
2. How Archbishop Bruno changed the face of Cologne forever – until today 01:00:57
3. Retrospective on Frankish Cologne 34:18
4. The Archduke of Cologne 46:17
5. From the Empire of the Franks to the Land of the Germans 53:30

Statue of St. Severin at the Town Hall Tower

Today’s church of St. Severin

St. Martin of Tours

Tomb of St. Martin in Tour (France)