#62 How England made Cologne's merchants rich in the 12th century

From wielding both spiritual and secular authority to navigating treacherous political landscapes, Engelbert's story is one of ambition, intrigue, and enduring fascination. Join us as we unravel the captivating saga of this enigmatic historical figure.

An episode about relics, trade, politics and guilds

A young boy in Cologne preaches that he wants to retake Jerusalem. But not with force but with only singing and praying.

The German Throne Dispute at the beginning of the 13th century continues and Cologne is right in the middle of it.

Young Hermann Josef is a poor boy at the end of the 12th century. But his life changes when he offers an apple to a statue of St. Mary.

Henry VI died far too young in 1197. Who will become the next emperor? His three year old son? But Cologne has other plans.

Emperor Frederick I, also known as Barbarossa, was not always the best friend of Cologne. Nonetheless he was very important for Cologne's development in the Middle Ages. Learn more about it in this episode.

An absentee lord prompted the citizens of Cologne to expand the city in 1179. They did so by doubling the size of the city with the largest medieval city wall in Europe at the time. Unfortunately, the mayor had not been asked for permission. Find out how that turned out in this episode.

From 1169 to 1178 Flemish cities in what is today Belgium were in a dispute with the city of Cologne about trade and the use of the Rhine River. At first, Cologne seems to lose this economic dispute but then they get help from the English king Henry II.