Germany in the 2nd half of the 11th century – Why everybody wanted to go to Heaven – Why Anno really kidnapped Henry IV.

This episode I would like to take a more general look at this turbulent time, the second half of the 11th century. Which developments shaped this time, medieval Germany and to what extent they affected Anno and also the city of Cologne. 

But all that would be far too complex for me. 

So I’m glad that Dirk from the “History of the Germans” podcast was kind enough to stop by for this episode. 

In our little chat we start off by talking about our motivation why we started our podcasts and then go straight into the action, the 2^nd half of the 11th century. 

#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

Dirk Hoffmann-Becking “History of the Germans” Podcast

“A great many things keep happening, some good, some bad” (Gregory of Tours 539-594). From the Coronation of Henry the Fowler in 919 CE to German Reunification in 1990 in weekly chronological 20-30 min episodes.

Listen to his podcast here: Link

The Empire/Medieval Germany in the 11th century

The mighty Duchy of Saxony in the 11th century where many nobles constantly rebelled against Henry IV’s reign.

Public Figures we talk about in the episode