The History of Cologne is a podcast that tells the story of Cologne, Germany. It’s a city with 2,000 years worth of history and it has so much to tell! Listen t...
#84 The Staple Right of 1259: Cologne’s Key to Centuries of Wealth
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 for centuries to come?
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#83 How a Family Feud in 1257 Sparked a Citywide Crisis in Medieval Cologne
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.
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#82 Cities Rising: The Rhenish League and the Dawn of Urban Power in the Holy Roman Empire
Imagine a time when the empire was rudderless, the throne of the Holy Roman Empire empty, and the scramble for power rippled across every corner of the land. Princes, bishops, and nobles seized the moment to expand their influence, but in this chaos, an unexpected force began to rise—cities. And at the heart of this urban revolution was the year 1254, when towns along the Rhine defied the odds to form an unprecedented alliance. Welcome to the story of the Rhenish League of Cities.
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#81 How a Coin Tossed Cologne into Chaos in 1252
In 1252 the citizens of Cologne are fighting each other against their city lord, the Archbishop, again. This time even with warships and trebuchets firing at the city! The topic of the dispute? Money! But not a certain amount, but money in general. The currency of Cologne, the Cologne Penny, a key currency in northwestern Europe is in danger!
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#80 Building Cologne Cathedral in the 13th century
Behind the construction of Cologne Cathedral lies a story of medieval ingenuity, hard labor, and decades ,later centuries, of dedication. Learn more about the methods, the workers, and the challenges that shaped one of Europe’s greatest Gothic structures.
The History of Cologne is a podcast that tells the story of Cologne, Germany. It’s a city with 2,000 years worth of history and it has so much to tell! Listen to the city growing. Dive into the early history of the city being founded by the Romans. How did it become a bustling medieval city? How did Cologne perform during Napoleon and the Industrial Revolution? And how about the Nazi time? Triweekly schedule, going chronological from the Roman roots up until today.
Where is this podcast now in the chronology: 1198
South Africa