History of the Germans

Dirk Hoffmann-Becking

The podcast that does what it says on the tin: a narrative history of the German people that starts in the year 919 AD and hopes to get all the way to 1991. Episodes are 25-35 min long and drop on Thursday mornings. As Gregory of Tours (539-594) said: "A great many things keep happening, some good, some bad" . The show is now entering its 8th season. So far we have covered: The Ottonian Emperors (Ep. 1- 21) - Henry the Fowler (Ep. 1) - Otto I (Ep. 2-8) - Otto II (Ep.9-11) - Otto II (Ep. 11-14) - Henry II (ep. 15-17) - Germany in the Year 1000 (ep. 18-21) The Salier and the Investiture Controversy - Konrad II (Ep. 22- 25) - Henry III (Ep. 26-29) - Henry IV & Canossa (Ep. 30-39) - Henry V and the Concordat of Worms (Ep. 40-42) Barbarossa and the early Hohenstaufen - Lothar III (Ep. 43-46) - Konrad III (Ep. 47-49) - Frederick Barbarossa (Ep. 50-69) Frederick II and the later Hohenstaufen -Henry VI (Ep. 70-72) - Philipp of Swabia (Ep. 73-74) - Otto IV (Ep. 74-75) - Frederick II (Ep. 75-90) - Epilogue (ep. 91-94) Eastern Expansion (ep. 95-108) The Hanseatic League (Ep. 109-127) The Teutonic Knights (Ep. 128-137) The Interregnum and the early Habsburgs (Ep. 138 ff read less

Our Editor's Take

The History of the Germans podcast describes the trials and celebrates the triumphs of the German people. Host Dirk Hoffmann-Becking is a history enthusiast. He is the executive director of Morgan Stanley Investment Management. The multilingual sailor grew up in Germany but moved to London in adulthood. He chose to narrate German history in English so that more people could learn about it.

Hoffmann-Becking believes Germany's history has particular significance because of the country's location. It borders Denmark, Poland, Czechia, Switzerland, Austria, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. Hoffman-Becking asserts that German history is European history. On the podcast, he details the years 919 to 1990.

Hoffmann-Becking considered starting History of the Germans in 110 BC, but there were problems with that. He jokes that one problem is he is old and slow. The podcast wouldn't get finished in his lifetime. He declares that, unlike other history podcasts, this one is German, so it's devoid of all humor. It's evident within the first prologue that he's being sarcastic.

Podcast listeners learn about notable figures, including the Teutonic Knights. The military order crusaded for Catholic rule. They took sacred vows of obedience, poverty, and chastity. Were they who they appeared to be? Hoffmann-Becking explores rumors of Paganism, murder, and knights carrying dogs. Holy Emperor Frederick Barbarossa is another intriguing topic. Known as Frederick I and Barbarossa (red beard), he wasn't only an emperor. Barbarossa was also Duke of Swabia and King of Italy, Germany, and Burgundy. Germans considered Barbarossa's defeat of Henry the Lion his best accomplishment. Hoffmann-Becking shares what historians think about it now.

History of the Germans delivers unbelievable stories. Princesses are rescued from towers. Hoffmann-Becking discusses the beverage that's synonymous with Germany. The host says he does this podcast for fun and self-aggrandizement. That may be true. Hoffmann-Becking's knowledge is impressive without exaggerating. He says the greatest moments in history are when people realize things can't continue as they are.

Germany has many moments like this. Hoffmann-Becking delights in revealing them. New History of the Germans episodes premiere Thursdays.

read less

HistoryHistory

Play Trailer

History of the Germans - Trailer

History of the Germans - Trailer

My name is Dirk and I want to take you through German history from the early middle ages to German Reunification in 1990. Why would you want to come along to this journey? Can German history reach places, other histories cannot?Answers to these and other question in this 6 minute trailerThe music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Episodes

History of the Germans - Trailer

History of the Germans - Trailer

My name is Dirk and I want to take you through German history from the early middle ages to German Reunification in 1990. Why would you want to come along to this journey? Can German history reach places, other histories cannot?Answers to these and other question in this 6 minute trailerThe music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always:Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Prologue - Part 1

Prologue - Part 1

Germany was invented by Julius Caesar who also believed Moose had no knees. Herman the German was an officer in the legions, ritual car washing dates back to the 1 century BC and Constantine relied on Frankish soldiers to gain control of the Roman empire. These and other stories about the first 500 years of German(ic) history are part of the Prologue in which I attempt to run through the first 1000 years of German history before 919 AD when the main narrative of the History of the Germans Podcast really starts. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Prologue - Part 2

Prologue - Part 2

Part 2 of our Prologue to the History of the Germans kicks off with the last western emperor, Romulus Augustulus handing over the insignia of his reign to his German general Odoacer. The next two centuries are dominated by hair-obsessed crime lords, some long-haired gingers, others bearded Lombards. Clovis, first "King of France" and descendant of sea monster, chooses the correct faith to be baptised in. His descendants wade through blood and incest until replaced by Charles "the Hammer" Martel whose son Pippin strikes a bargain with the devil Pope.Again, speed was of the essence so forgive me the occasional simplifications and omissions (Don't be angry Theoderic, we know you were the one good one!) The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photo, transcriptss and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Prologue - Part 3

Prologue - Part 3

Part 3 of the Prologue is dedicated to Charlemagne, one of Europe's greatest rulers. and less because he conquered most of Europe and became the first Roman emperor for 325 years, but because he saved many books from antiquity, increased literacy and numeracy and made it possible for you to read this text comfortably.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 1 - A New Beginning - King Henry the Fowler rebuilds East Francia

Ep. 1 - A New Beginning - King Henry the Fowler rebuilds East Francia

The year is 919 AD and things are not going well. The mighty empire of Charlemagne has splintered into a multitude of puny kingdoms. Its feeble rulers are being pushed around by their formidable barons. The frontiers are breached. In the north the Vikings and Danes are ransacking towns and villages along the coasts and even deep inland. In the east the Slavs are burning Hamburg. And in the south the most terrifying of them all, the Magyars, a steppe tribe like the Huns and the Mongols, are marauding all the way from Bavaria to Northern Spain. Cometh the time, cometh the man/woman?Episode Website with transcript, maps and lots more: Episode 1 - A new Beginning • History of the Germans PodcastThe music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: https://historyofthegermans.com/episode-1-a-new-beginning-2/Facebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatroon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans?fan_landing=true

Ep. 2 - A Dog's Breakfast - Otto the not yet great makes some bad mistakes

Ep. 2 - A Dog's Breakfast - Otto the not yet great makes some bad mistakes

Henry the Fowler ended the tradition of splitting the kingdom amongst the male heirs. So far, so wise. But, and there is always a but, what he did not work out was what to do with the spares. And there were quite a few spares about, three in total. How will Henry's designated heir, Otto I manage? The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: https://historyofthegermans.com/2-2/Facebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 3 - A Series of Fortunate Events - Otto I's kingdom is rescued by Konrad Kurzbold

Ep. 3 - A Series of Fortunate Events - Otto I's kingdom is rescued by Konrad Kurzbold

His brother and his biggest vassals are rebelling, the kingdom remains under threat from Hungarians and Slavs - and now the king of France comes in on the side of the opposition. Only a series of very fortunate events can rescue king Otto, or a man of short stature, fierce temper, extraordinary bravery and a dislike of apples and women?The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: https://historyofthegermans.com/kurzbold-3-2/Facebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 4 - A Foe Wherever You Go - King Otto I settles into being a medieval ruler

Ep. 4 - A Foe Wherever You Go - King Otto I settles into being a medieval ruler

After the civil war with his brother Henry Otto gets to reorganise the kingdom and focuses on foreign policy. There is conflict on all borders, with the Slavs, the Bohemians, the Hungarians, and the French. Great opportunities for the fine sports of pointless sieges, burning of crops as well massacring peasants. But what do you say to a magnate who offers to swallow seven Saxon lances in one go?The most interesting story plays out in Italy where we find a beautiful young heiress with the key to a kingdom languishing in a jail.... The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 5 - The Father, the Son and the Uncle - Otto I has to deal with his rebellious son

Ep. 5 - The Father, the Son and the Uncle - Otto I has to deal with his rebellious son

Adelheid's rescue creates tension not only in the family of king Otto but across the realm. Younger members of the powerful families feel cheated out of the gains of the Italian campaign and worry about their prospects. And Otto makes again one of these mistakes he is so adept at, resulting in much bloodshed and pain...The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 6 - A Conversation with Swords - The Battle on the Lechfeld

Ep. 6 - A Conversation with Swords - The Battle on the Lechfeld

The devastation of the civil war lures in the largest Hungarian army anyone had ever seen anywhere. Enticed by the disinherited sons of former Bavarian dukes, the mighty host makes for Augsburg, a city whose walls are as weak as their defender is steadfast. This time they are here to conquer not just to plunder. Otto has to run hell for leather south gathering an army from wherever he can get his hands on soldiers to face the most amazing military of the times on a battlefield of their choosing.....The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 7 - A New Caesar - Otto the Great is crowned emperor

Ep. 7 - A New Caesar - Otto the Great is crowned emperor

955-963 AD After the battle on the Lechfeld Otto has reached the zenith of his career. All he lacks is the formal recognition of his imperial position within the ancient realm of Charlemagne. For that he has to travel to the malaria-infested swamp that is 10th century Rome where a 23 year old promiscuous and duplicitous pope awaits him...The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 8 - An Imperial Bride - The empress Theophanu arrives

Ep. 8 - An Imperial Bride - The empress Theophanu arrives

Otto's final desire is to be recognised as a fellow emperor by the Basileus in Constantinople. When the Byzantines refuse him the purple-born princess Anna he wages war. The new emperor, John Tzimiskis comes up with a better solution and sends across the most glamorous figure of German medieval history - Theophanu Skleraina...The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 9 - A Matter of Habit - The new emperor Otto II has to face the usual rebellions

Ep. 9 - A Matter of Habit - The new emperor Otto II has to face the usual rebellions

When Otto II succeeds his father Otto the Great he inherits a strange construct of interwoven rights, relationships and privileges. He might rely on the church's resources to a degree but to succeed he needs military skill, charisma, proof of the grace of god and luck. With his father being the luckiest man in German history is there any of that elusive substance left for his son... The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 10 - The Misfortunes One Can Endure - Otto II's fateful journey to Southern Italy

Ep. 10 - The Misfortunes One Can Endure - Otto II's fateful journey to Southern Italy

Having suppressed the customary early reign rebellion, Otto II makes some poor appointments that result in war with France and estrangement from his mother. Once that has been patched up, he embarks on his major project, incorporating the south of Italy into the empire and thereby bottling up the popes.....The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 11 - Woe the Land that is Governed by a Child - The abduction of Otto III

Ep. 11 - Woe the Land that is Governed by a Child - The abduction of Otto III

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... The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 12 - The Regency of Theophanu and Adelheid

Ep. 12 - The Regency of Theophanu and Adelheid

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. The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 13 - Otto III The Wonder of the World

Ep. 13 - Otto III The Wonder of the World

Otto III is one of the most controversial emperor in German medieval history. Was he just an uncontrollable teenager with dramatic mood swings? Or did he plan the Restoration 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? The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.As always: Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 14 - Otto III The End of a Dream

Ep. 14 - Otto III The End of a Dream

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?The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.Homepage with maps, photos and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 15 - Germany in the year 1000 (Part 1) - Climate, Agriculture, Economy and medieval hygiene

Ep. 15 - Germany in the year 1000 (Part 1) - Climate, Agriculture, Economy and medieval hygiene

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!The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans

Ep. 16 - Germany in the year 1000 (Part 2) - The Imperial Church System

Ep. 16 - Germany in the year 1000 (Part 2) - The Imperial Church System

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.The music for the show is Flute Sonata in E-flat major, H.545 by Carl Phillip Emmanuel Bach (or some claim it as BWV 1031 Johann Sebastian Bach) performed and arranged by Michel Rondeau under Common Creative Licence 3.0.Homepage with maps, photos, transcripts and blog: www.historyofthegermans.comFacebook: @HOTGPod Twitter: @germanshistoryInstagram: history_of_the_germansReddit: u/historyofthegermansPatroon: https://www.patreon.com/Historyofthegermans?fan_landing=true