#76 From Cathedral to Captivity: The Tumultuous Early Years of Konrad von Hochstaden

How a Captured Archbishop Outmaneuvered His Enemies in 1242

In this episode, we explore the dramatic capture and imprisonment of Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden by the Count of Jülich in 1242. Discover how one of Cologne’s most powerful medieval figures navigated treacherous political waters, outmaneuvered his enemies, and secured his release, all while shaping the future of the Rhineland and Cologne.

The Political Landscape

Von Alphathon – Extracted from File:Mitteleuropa zur Zeit der Staufer.svg, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85321148

The “Get Berg” is the County of Berg on the right bank of the Rhine (Rhein). All territories in purple belong to the Cologne Church. (Erzbistum Köln; EBM Köln)) Notice to the north the County of Cleve. And in the west the Duchy of Limburg. In the West of of Cologne and the territories along the Rhine that belong to the Archbishopric of Cologne you see the Duchy of Jülich (Gft. Jülich)


Konrad von Hochstaden

Figure of Konrad von Hochstaden at his grave in Cologne Cathedral


Burg Nideggen (Nideggen Castle)

Von Wolkenkratzer – Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44042926

Burg Nideggen is the place where Konrad von Hochstaden was held captive in 1242. Nowadays it is a nice spot to eat in a restaurant.



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