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

In 1259, Cologne stood at a crossroads of power and trade. Amid deep political unrest and shifting alliances, a crucial privilege—the Staple Right—was granted, setting the stage for the city’s rise as a dominant economic force. But this wasn’t just about commerce; it was a high-stakes battle between the ruling archbishop, wealthy patricians, and the city’s discontented citizens. How did this privilege shape Cologne’s destiny … Continue reading #84 The Staple Right of 1259: Cologne’s Key to Centuries of Wealth

In 1257, the city of Cologne becomes the stage for a dramatic clash between its powerful Erzbischof, Konrad von Hochstaden, and the influential Cologne Kleingedank family. What begins as a calculated act of revenge soon spirals into a citywide conflict, testing the fragile balance of power between the city ruler, the archbishop, and the citizens of Cologne. Konrad von Hochstaden Figure of Konrad von Hochstaden … Continue reading #83 How a Family Feud in 1257 Sparked a Citywide Crisis in Medieval Cologne