In January 2025, a major programme of conservation and research began on the tomb of Otto the Great in Magdeburg Cathedral as serious deterioration had been discovered
Category: 10th century
Did Otto the Great Die from a Stroke?
Not only do we possess what is likely an eyewitness account from AD 973 of the death of Emperor Otto the Great, but recent studies of his remains might fit the description.
The Bamberg Shrine – A Royal Gift from Denmark?
Could the Bamberg Shrine have been a diplomatic gift presented to Otto the Great by the emissaries of the Danish king at Quedlinburg in AD 973?
Thietmar of Merseburg 975-1018
Thietmar of Merseburg was bishop of the diocese of Merseburg from 1009 to 1018. Famous for his Chronicle, he was one of the most important historians of the Ottonian period
Heinrich II, German King and Holy Roman Emperor 1002 – 1024
Heinrich II (973 (978)-1024) – famous for his foundation of Bamberg – was the last Ottonian to rule Germany and the Holy Roman Empire.
Kunigunde – Ottonian Queen 1002-1024
The 10th-century German queens set their mark on politics in different ways. The last queen, Kunigunde, primarily played the role of dynastic bridgebuilder.
The Royal Palace at Bamberg
After 1007 Bamberg castle was rebuilt as a modern cathedral and palace complex. Likely, it turned out to be an ideal prototype for other similar building projects at Paderborn, Goslar and elsewhere
Carmen Bambergense
On Heinrich II’s birthday in 1012, the abbot at Seeon presented the German king with a panegyric, commonly known as the Carmen Bambergense.
Comparing Christian Rulership in Poland and Norway
In the Early Middle Ages, kings were elected according to charisma, wealth and warrior capabilities. Late rulership became dependant on dynastic succession and the endorsement of the Christian church
The Royal Library at Bamberg
When the Holy Roman Emperor Henry II died 1000 years ago, on July 13, 1024, he left behind a rich legacy of books.
Returning to the Dark Ages?
In the 21st century, we are looking towards a time when the Middle Ages return, claims a group of political commentators
Wildfires in Tenth-Century Spain
This summer, 2023, wildfires have once again laid waste large areas of Southern Europe. A tenth-century conflagration provides a fascinating comparison between medieval and present times.
Vladimir the Great (958-1015)
Vladimir the Great is remembered as the founding father of the Kievan Rus'. a succesful viking warrior, he lost his barbarian aura in later chronicles.
Putin and his Medieval Worldview
Putin' Orthodox worldwiev calls for him to play the leading role in the reenactment of the medieval Kyivan Rus'.
The Golden Treasure of Harold Bluetooth
New book may read like a fabled Viking detective story. In fact, the book presents us with a whole new, well-researched and compelling history of the events during the reign of Harold Bluetooth in the 10th century.
The Baptism of Harold Bluetooth, the Ordeal of Poppo and a New Source
A new source - Avico's Annals - tells a very different story about the famous conversion and baptism of Harold Bluetooth in the 960s