#30 The Elevation to Archbishopric and the Saxon Wars change Cologne forever – The History of Cologne

After 30 years of war between 772 and 804, Charlemagne subjugated the pagan Saxons in Northern Germany. With fire and sword, he brings the Frankish rule into the region and Christianity. With Cologne as the center of power as Archdiocese of Cologne for the next 1,000 years.

After 30 years of war between 772 and 804, Charlemagne subjugated the pagan Saxons in Northern Germany. With fire and sword, he brings the Frankish rule into the region and Christianity. With Cologne as the center of power as Archdiocese of Cologne for the next 1,000 years.

Charlemagne’s conquests in Saxony and his coronation as Roman emperor in 800 enabled the city of Cologne to transform from a peripheral city in the east of the Frankish Empire into a center of political and spiritual power. From Cologne, the newly conquered territories in northern Germany are missionized.

#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

Cologne Church Province

The Church Province of Cologne (KÖLN) with its suffragan bischoprics in the 16th century: Lüttich (Liege), Utrecht, Münster, Onsabrück, Minden and up until the middle of the 9th century also Bremen. (which is not part of the Cologne Church Province anymore in this map). Sadly I havent found a more accurate map. But since this church structure existed for exactly a thousand years, it doesn’t matter if the map is from 800 or 1500.

The Frankish Empire under Charlemagne

The Saxon Wars

Conversion of the Saxons to Christianity through Charlemagne. Painted by Alphonse de Neuville in 1869.