The Ottonian period (919-1024) has been a key reference point in German history ever since. Having only very few and not necessarily very enlightening documents to work from the period became a blank canvas on which historians and the population as a whole projected their own hopes, political beliefs and expectations. In the 19th century the German speaking people who felt humiliated by the defeats against Napoleon and disenfranchised by the political rearranging of their homelands and so latched on to the few unifying historical heroes to refer to - the mighty emperors of the early and high middle ages. Viewing them – depending on political belief – into either mighty rulers of a coherent state who wasted blood, treasure and the whole empire in a fateful entanglement in Italian affairs, or were they benevolent managers of a supranational polity ruling by consent. The falsification of history peaked when the Nazis turned Henry the Fowler into their poster boy. Now, after nearly 200 years of scholarship we aim to see them in the context of their own times, but are we really?
Erschienen: 10.06.2021
Dauer: 23:03
To understand Henry II you have to start at the end. When he died, he had made no succession plan whatsoever. He was convinced that he had moulded the kingdom into a House of god run by pious monks and observant bishops. If the House of God pleased the lord, he would appoint a new successor, and if not, well the good riddance. Though his policy of strengthening and dominating the church could be looked at as a political ploy to expand the royal prerogative, the more likely truth is that it was only a side effect of Henry's spiritual mission. The actions of early medieval monarchs often appear alien to us, and none more so than Henry II.
Erschienen: 27.05.2021
Dauer: 36:54
Weitere Informationen zur Episode "Episode 19 - Henry II and the House of God"
1002-1018 AD Once king Henry II has established his rule, he has to face up to a new and increasingly powerful rival. Duke (later king) Boleslav of Poland has created a large and coherent polity to the east of Germany. When he takes over the counties of Meissen and Lausitz and even Bohemia, war becomes inevitable.
Erschienen: 20.05.2021
Dauer: 32:38
As Otto III's dead body is brought home by his friends, all his dreams and policies collapse behind him. The Emperor had died aged 22 without an heir and he had no brothers or even uncles left. So who should be king? Will it be Hermann of Swabia, from the eternally loyal Konradiner family, Otto of Worms, the dead emperors closest relative, Count Ekkehard of Meissen, the mighty warrior, Count Ezzo, the nouveau riche husband of Otto III's sister, or Henry of Bavaria, son of a rebel, grandson of a rebel but great-grandson of king Henry the Fowler and therefore the male heir of the dynasty. How do you become emperor? Transcript available at https://history-of-the-germans.captivate.fm/
Erschienen: 13.05.2021
Dauer: 33:12
Weitere Informationen zur Episode "The (not yet holy) Emperor Henry II"
This is part 2 of our rundown of the economic and social situation in Germany around the year 1000. The third and highest social strata were the "Oratores", those who pray, the priests, monks and bishops. We look at how a village priest is educated, why monasteries became so rich (spoiler, it is not about piety alone, money is key) and the role of bishops in the Imperial Church System that made the German emperors the most powerful rulers in Western Europe in the 10th and 11th century. How does an emperor rule in the absence of bureaucracy, how much tax matters and why there is no tax in Germany but there is tax in England, why the Normans were more successful in their theocratic leadership approach and how you become emperor....again lots to get through but fun.
Erschienen: 06.05.2021
Dauer: 34:41
Weitere Informationen zur Episode "Germany in the year 1000 (Part 2)"
In this episode we talk about the economy, society, infrastructure and art at the turn of the first millennium. We will look at changes in climate, agriculture, monetary system and warfare. We will take a look at towns and cities, take a deeper dive into Cologne and Magdeburg, muse about the trade in Eunuchs and medieval bathing habits. It is the 10th century when society splits into those who pray (Oratores), those who fight (Bellatores) and those who do all the useful stuff (Laboratores). We discuss the beginnings of castles, 20,000 of which will rise up in Germany during the course of the middle ages...lots to get through!
Erschienen: 29.04.2021
Dauer: 27:29
Weitere Informationen zur Episode "Germany in the year 1000 (Part 1)"
After part one of Otto III's "Restoration of the Empire of the Romans" had been a bloody affair, he now embarks on a strenuous display of religious devotion. That includes a trip to Gniezno, the grave of his friend and mentor Saint Adalbert, a trip that has huge consequences for the development of Poland as an independent nation. His excessive ascetism, long periods of prayer and devotion may look incomprehensible to us today, but are they part of an overall concept of a new "Empire of the Romans", one led by an emperor who is both secular and spiritual ruler? And, did it work?
Erschienen: 22.04.2021
Dauer: 35:02
Weitere Informationen zur Episode "Otto III - The End of a Dream"
Otto III is the most controversial emperor in German medieval history. Was he just an uncontrollable teenager with dramatic mood swings? Or did he really plan a Renovation of the Empire of the Romans as his propaganda stated? Was he cruel man who executed and mutilated his opponents or was he a deeply spiritual man torn between his piety and the demands of the office?
Erschienen: 15.04.2021
Dauer: 31:53
Weitere Informationen zur Episode "Otto III The Wonder of the World"
Having rescued the reign and possibly life of 4-year-old king Otto III his mother, the byzantine princess Theophanu and later his grandmother Adelheid continue Ottonian policies. This time gives birth to the election of the French dynasty that will rule until 1789 (1830), a length of reign only surpassed by the emperors of Japan. It also witnesses the emergence of Poland as a sovereign nation under the pope.
Erschienen: 02.04.2021
Dauer: 33:00
Weitere Informationen zur Episode "The Regency of Theophanu and Adelheid"
When 4-year-old king Otto III is crowned king riders bang on the door of Aachen Cathedral with news that his father, Otto II had died 16 days earlier. Immediately the archenemy of the family, Henry the Quarrelsome is released from prison where he was held for treason and is made guardian of the child. Otto III's chance of survival is bleak and his only hope is his mother, the Byzantine princes Theophanu who musters an odd assembly of ladies and geeks to rescue her son...
Erschienen: 25.03.2021
Dauer: 25:41
Weitere Informationen zur Episode "Woe the Land that is Governed by a Child"
