In 1119, the Archbishop of Cologne, Frederick I of Schwarzenburg, imposed an interdict on the city of Cologne and its inhabitants. This ecclesiastical punishment was intended to punish the citizens of Cologne for their disobedience to the archbishop and their involvement in political conflicts. The interdict had serious repercussions on religious life in the city: church services were forbidden, sacraments and funerals were no longer allowed to take place, and even the bells of the churches remained silent. Why did this happen? Find out in this episode.

Experience a time travel through 200 years of Cologne Carnival! From its beginnings to the present day, we will explore the history of Cologne's famous cheerfulness, celebrate its traditions and customs, and understand why Carnival in Cologne is also always a reflection of its time.

Step back in time and join us on a journey through the bustling streets of medieval Cologne. In this episode of our podcast, we transport you to the year 1100 AD, where you'll experience the sights, sounds, and stories of one of Europe's most vibrant cities. From the towering cathedral to the bustling marketplaces, you'll discover the rich history and culture of this ancient city. Come along as we explore the hidden gems and hidden secrets of medieval Cologne, and discover why it was a center of trade, culture, and innovation.

The year 1106 is an important milestone in the history of Cologne. The people of Cologne skilfully exploit the dynastic conflict of the empire between father and son, thus circumventing the will of their own archbishop/city ruler, maintain legal equality within the city, are allowed to expand their city through new fortifications and put a huge royal army to flight.

We will talk this episode about a small but significant minority in medieval Cologne of the late 11th/ early 12th century. The Jewish community of Cologne.

This episode I would like to take a more general look at this turbulent time, the second half of the 11th century. Which developments shaped this time, medieval Germany and to what extent they affected Anno and also the city of Cologne. 
But all that would be far too complex for me. 
So I'm glad that Dirk from the "History of the Germans" podcast was kind enough to stop by for this episode. 
In our little chat we start off by talking about our motivation why we started our podcasts and then go straight into the action, the 2nd half of the 11th century.

The Archbishop of Cologne Anno II (1056-1075) was chased out of the city by an angry mob after incurring the wrath of the merchant class. In neighboring Neuss, the prince of the church and the empire ponders revenge and gathers a large army to return to Cologne.

In 1074, the people of Cologne rose up in revolt against the city's ruler and archbishop, Anno II. What happened in these April days in the city has written city history that you should not miss.

Why did Anno II gouge out the eyes of all his jurymen in Cologne, according to legend? In the second half of the 11th century, Anno II ruled over the city of Cologne. With a lively building activity in the city, he is immortalized in the cityscape to this day. Also art, culture and trade prospered under his rule. And the veneration of St. George gave Anno unprecedented greatness here on the Rhine.

A man from the lower nobility of southern Germany becomes Archbishop of Cologne, crushes the power of the Ezzones in the Rhineland and kidnaps the ruler of the Holy Roman Empire: Anno II. is a man that is truly not forgotten in Cologne to this day.