The Middle Ages, Arts and State Building News

Swiss Bishoprics and their Cultural Heritage

Cathédrale de Bâle (Basler Münster), 11e -15e siècle. Photo: TES.

10 January 2021

In the centuries between the (slow) dissolution of the Roman Empire (5th century) and the rise of the great Monarchies and dynasties (10th thru12th centuries), the Church and the bishop were the most dominant social, economic and political institutions with secular power. The diocese was the new sovereignty based on an ecclesiastical (diocese) territory, and … Read more » “Swiss Bishoprics and their Cultural Heritage”

Forgotten Kingdoms on Swiss Territory

St. Maurice Abbey, Museum. Photo: TES.

2 January 2021

One of the most exciting but forgotten kingdoms on Swiss territory existed from 888 to 1032:  namely, the kingdom of Burgundy (not to be confused with its predecessor of 443-534). The origin of the Germanic tribe of Burgundy is the (Danish) island of Bornholm. The Burgunds This tribe descended south in a centuries-long process. They … Read more » “Forgotten Kingdoms on Swiss Territory”

Romanesque Art

Donatyre, 11th century. Photo: TES.

2 December 2020

From the 11th to the 14th centuries, the area of present-day Switzerland was not a political unity. Several dynasties (a.o. Habsburg, Kyburg, Zähringen, Savoye, Swaben), small local rulers, the German emperor and powerful abbots and bishops (Geneva, Sion, Lausanne, Chur, Basel, and Constance) ruled over smaller or larger areas. These areas lay on the borders … Read more » “Romanesque Art”