At the height of the Crisis of the Third Century, the Gallic Empire (260-274) emerges. An empire separated from the actual Roman Empire but still with all Roman characteristics. Except with having the city of Rome in it. With territories of all of Gaul, Spain, half of Germany and the Roman province of Britain, it takes one third of the Roman Empire away. And guess … Continue reading #14 The Emperor Postumus of Cologne – The City on the Rhine Becomes the Capital of a Rebellious Empire

Timetable of the events that lead to the Crisis of the 3rd Century 161: Roman legion from Bonn near Cologne marches to the east of the empire to fight the Persians. 166: When the war is won and the legion returns to the Rhineland, the Antonine Plague is brought with them. Many people died. It is estimated that 10% of the population died. Many Italian … Continue reading #13 The Crisis of the Third Century – Cologne’s Golden Age in Antiquity Draws to a Close

Roman Harbour Street Decumanus Maximus / Schildergasse Continue reading #12 A Tour through Roman Cologne’s Golden Era – part 2

In this episode we leave the chronological path of our narrative. We are going to visit a Roman Cologne that might have been just like this. Between the year 100-250 CE. This timespan of 150 years was the golden age of Roman Cologne. CLICK TO ENLARGE PICTURES! Road to ancient Cologne Tomb of Poblicius Due to the Corona outbreak and the closure of all museums … Continue reading #11 A Tour through Roman Cologne’s Golden Era – part 1

VIP visit to our city on the Rhine. The heir to the throne Marcus Ulpius Traianus visits Cologne in the years 97/98. What he does not know, he will find out here that he is the new emperor. And this helps Cologne to an unprecedented upswing. For a few months Cologne becomes the residence city of the Roman Empire. With Trajan, a golden age for … Continue reading #10 Roman Emperor Trajan visits Cologne

In this episode, we get a brief overview of how the Romans ruled ancient Cologne. Chronologically, the episode is not firmly docked to a date. In the context of our podcast so far, however, it describes political Cologne at the end of the 1st century AD, several decades after Vitellius and the Batavian Revolt. The Roman rule is consolidated and the Romans finally acknowledge in … Continue reading #9 SPQR in CCAA – How the Romans Ruled Ancient Cologne

How did young Roman Cologne function: Let’s take a look at Cologne’s long and high efficent waterline and massive stone wall. Being 95 kilometers/60 miles long, Roman Cologne’s was the longest waterline in Europe north of the Alpes. It would transport 20 Mio. Litres of water into that city every day. Cologne’s Roman city wall was so mighty that is was used for 1,100 years. … Continue reading #8 A Tale of Water and Stones – About Cologne’s Outstanding Infrastructure in Roman Times

The Batavian revolt in the Gallic-Germanic border region in 69 CE has a tight grip over Cologne and the region. The Roman rule is gone for the moment. This episode all these events of this conflict will unfold right in front of Cologne’s doorstep and soon, inside its city walls. Will Cologne prevail? Or will Cologne be crushed between the rebels and the Romans? For … Continue reading #7 The Batavian Revolt – Nero’s Death in Faraway Rome Has Serious Repercussions for Cologne

Listen to this podcast: Cologne is in turmoil in the Year of the Four Emperors in 69 CE. Agrippina is dead, so is now her son, emperor Nero. Who will become the new Roman emperor? Four men throw their hats into the ring. One of them is Vitellius, the Roman governor of Cologne. The consequences for Cologne as a border town are horrible. At the … Continue reading #6 Vitellius and Marsilius – Cologne’s Women Teach Roman Soldiers a Lesson they never forget

„Roman Empress Agrippina was a monster, a murderer, seductive and ruthless“ that has been the verdict about her since the day she died in 59 CE. Is that true? Born 15 CE in Oppidum Ubiorum, today’s Cologne, she will be the founder of ancient Cologne, promoting the young city like no other has ever before. Listen to this episode: Continue reading #5 Empress Agrippina the Younger – a real Cologne girl!