Tracing Altenberg with Randolf Link: "Bones, cronyism, Cologne Cathedral"

Cologne has always played an important role for Altenberg. Studying the rise of the Counts of Berg leads to and through this medieval metropolis on the Rhine. With considerable skill and even more cronyism, the Berg family even managed to provide the archbishop several times, at that time the most powerful church prince in the Rhineland. The Altenbergs reached the zenith of their power when Engelbert II became Count of Berg, Archbishop of Cologne, and representative of Emperor Frederick II in Germany.

The Cistercian monastery of Altenberg had its most important trading and economic centers in Cologne. Precious relics and large quantities of wine, grain, and fish were traded here. The city center served simultaneously as a residence, a transshipment point, and a marketplace.