For more than five centuries, emperors have determined the fate of half of Europe. They were glorious emperors, God’s chosen rulers, ruthless commanders or capable politicians.
But they succeeded only in the complex interaction with the pillars of their power, with secular and ecclesiastical princes, bishops, Jewish communities and citizens of cities. It was only these networks that made imperial domination, which was so unique in Western Christianity, possible.
From Charlemagne to Frederick Barbarossa, the exhibition “The emperors and the pillars of their power” sheds light on the ideas and strategies of emperor rule. The show focuses on the Rhine region.
The exhibits from all over Europe make this exhibition a unique experience. Among others, the poor reliquary of Charlemagne from the Paris Louvre, the precious marriage charter of Empress Theophanu, the funeral crown of Empress Gisela, the famous Heidelberg manuscript Codex Manesse and the Goldene Bulle are on display.