Konrad von Hochstaden
Konrad von Hochstaden was the Archbishop of Cologne from 1238 to 1261, playing a significant role in German politics during the mid-13th century. He was instrumental in the elections of both Henry Raspe and William of Holland as kings of Germany and later sold his support to Richard of Cornwall. His tenure was marked by struggles with neighboring princes and the citizens of Cologne over temporal sovereignty.
Key Facts
- ›Archbishop of Cologne from 1238 to 1261.
- ›Played a key role in the election of Henry Raspe and William of Holland as kings of Germany.
- ›Received archiepiscopal insignia from Emperor Frederick II in 1238.
- ›Laid the cornerstone for the Cologne Cathedral on August 15, 1248.
- ›Sold his vote to Richard of Cornwall for the election of the new king in 1257.
- ›Died on September 28, 1261, and is buried in Cologne Cathedral.
- Securing the Election of Henry Raspe As King
- Securing the Election of William of Holland As King
- Laying the Cornerstone of the Cologne Cathedral
About Konrad von Hochstaden
Konrad von Hochstaden, Archbishop of Cologne
Konrad von Hochstaden (1198/1205 – 18 September 1261) was a significant ecclesiastical and political figure who served as the Archbishop of Cologne from 1238 to 1261. His tenure coincided with a turbulent period in the Holy Roman Empire, and he played an active role in its political landscape.
Early Life and Career
Born to Count Lothar of Hochstadt and Mathilde of Vianden, little is known of Konrad's early youth. He entered the church, becoming the incumbent of the parish of Wevelinghoven in 1216. By 1226, he was a canon and later served as provost of the Cologne Cathedral. Following the death of Heinrich von Müllenark, the cathedral chapter elected Konrad as Archbishop of Cologne in 1238, receiving his archiepiscopal insignia from Emperor Frederick II.
Political Influence and Conflicts
Konrad's archiepiscopal reign was marked by his involvement in imperial politics. Initially siding with Emperor Frederick II against Pope Gregory IX, he later switched his allegiance to the papal party. He was a key figure in the election of Henry Raspe as king in 1246 and subsequently supported William of Holland's claim to the throne after Henry's death. In recognition of these services, Pope Innocent IV appointed him Apostolic legate in Germany in 1249. However, his relationship with the Pope deteriorated, leading to the loss of his legation in 1250. Konrad also engaged in prolonged struggles with neighboring princes and the citizens of Cologne over the temporal sovereignty of the city, often emerging victorious but with a reputation tarnished by his often treacherous warfare. After the death of King William in 1256, Konrad influenced the election of the new king, ultimately selling his vote to Richard of Cornwall, whom he crowned in Aachen in 1257.
Legacy
Konrad von Hochstaden's most enduring physical legacy is his role in the construction of the Cologne Cathedral, for which he laid the cornerstone on August 15, 1248. He died on September 28, 1261, and was buried in the Cologne Cathedral. His political maneuvering and struggles for power left a complex mark on the history of the Archbishopric of Cologne and the Holy Roman Empire during the 13th century.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Konrad von Hochstaden Archbishop of Cologne?
Konrad von Hochstaden served as the Archbishop of Cologne from 1238 until his death in 1261.
What was Konrad von Hochstaden's role in German royal elections?
Konrad von Hochstaden was instrumental in the elections of Henry Raspe and William of Holland as kings of Germany. He later sold his vote to Richard of Cornwall in 1257.
What were some of the challenges Konrad von Hochstaden faced during his reign?
Konrad von Hochstaden's temporal administration was characterized by struggles with neighboring princes and the citizens of Cologne, who resisted his temporal sovereignty over the city. His methods of warfare were also noted for being treacherous.
Did Konrad von Hochstaden have any notable building projects?
Yes, Konrad von Hochstaden laid the cornerstone for the Cologne Cathedral on August 15, 1248.
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