In 1275, Cologne entered an unexpected agreement that reshaped its relationship with one of the most powerful men in the empire: the new Archbishop of Cologne. At the same time, the city received a remarkable new Gothic seal—an object that tells us more about medieval identity, politics, and ambition than any charter ever could.How did all this come together? And why did it matter so … Continue reading #95 The 1275 Friendship Treaty: Siegfried von Westerburg and Cologne’s New Gothic City Seal

1271: Three years after civil war tore Cologne apart, the aging Dominican friar Albertus Magnus was sent to end the deadlock between a captive archbishop and an ambitious count. But peace always comes at a cost — and in Cologne, that cost would change the balance of power for a century. Albertus Magnus In 1271 Albertus Magnus is now in his 70s. Can he make … Continue reading #94 The Expulsion of the Wise Men and the Aftermath of the Battle of Ulrepforte

On a dark October night in 1268, a secret tunnel, a betrayed alliance, and a struggle for power would decide the fate of medieval Cologne. What began as a feud between wealthy families turned into a bloody street battle beneath the city walls. Who dug the hole—and who paid the price? Join us as we uncover the forgotten story of the Battle of Ulrepforte. Matthias … Continue reading #93 The Battle at Ulrepforte

In 1263, Cologne stood at a crossroads — again. Just a year after forcing Archbishop Engelbert II von Falkenburg into a peace agreement, the city found itself betrayed. Oaths had been made, sealed, and sworn before God. But behind the scenes, the archbishop plotted revenge — aided by papal absolution and secret plans to arrest the city’s leaders. Continue reading #90 Broken Promises – Engelbert II von Falkenburg’s War on His Own City

This episode is a gripping historical legend set in the year 1262 in Cologne, during a time of political upheaval and civic rebellion. At the heart of the tale is Hermann Gryn, a prominent city leader, who finds himself in a perilous and unexpected confrontation that tests his courage, skill, and loyalty to the city. Player doesn’t show in your mail program? Click here Entrance … Continue reading #89 Hermann Gryn’s Fight against a Lion

How a Prison Break Became a Turning Point in Cologne’s History In 1259, Archbishop Konrad von Hochstaden seized power in Cologne, overthrowing the city’s patrician families and imprisoning several in Are Castle. After Konrad’s death in 1261, the patricians hoped his successor, Engelbert II von Falkenburg, would restore their rights. However, despite early promises, Engelbert betrayed them, maintaining the city’s control for himself. When relatives … Continue reading #87 The Battle of Bayenturm 1262

In the 13th century, they were far more than just places of prayer: The convents of St Ursula, St Cäcilien and St Mary in the Capitol played a decisive role in shaping the spiritual, economic and cultural life of medieval Cologne.In this episode, we take a look at the lives of the aristocratic canonesses, their influence on education, land ownership and urban development – and … Continue reading #86 In the Heart of the City: Women’s Convents in 13th Century Cologne

A growing Jewish community, an archbishop who claimed to protect them, and a city caught in a power struggle. A medieval document, not written on parchment, but carved in stone, still stands in Cologne Cathedral today. It granted rights—but also exposed a dangerous reality for the city’s Jewish population. Older Bible Window The weaning of Isaac in the Older Bible Window. All men involved are … Continue reading #85 Jewish Life and Legal Status in 13th-Century Cologne