1700 years of Jewish life in Cologne
The year 2021 was celebrated as the festive anniversary “1700 years of Jewish life in Germany”, with the patronage of the Federal President. On this occasion a special association was founded: “321-2021: 1700 Years of Jewish Life in Germany” which is based in Cologne and coordinates around a thousand events throughout Germany.
The anniversary goes back to a request from Roman times. The decurions (city councils) of Agrippina (Cologne) asked Emperor Constantine to be allowed to appoint Jews to the city council. The inquiry shows that at that time there was a Jewish population in Cologne with wealthy members who could afford to hold public (unpaid) office. In addition, city councils had to be liable for taxes and duties with their own assets. The emperor responded in 321 with a rescript (decree), according to which Jews may also be appointed to city councils in all Roman cities. This provision found its way into a Roman legal book, the Codex Theodosianus, and has thus been preserved to this day.
The Rheinisches Bildarchiv makes its contribution in the form of its own image gallery on the “Kulturelles Erbe Köln” portal. Numerous photos of buildings, art treasures and events related to Jewish life in Cologne are bundled under one tile. You can find more information on these websites:
- 321–2021: 1700 Jahre jüdisches Leben in Deutschland e.V.
- Geschichtsseite der Forschungsstelle Geschichte Kölns
- MiQua. LVR-Jüdisches Museum im Archäologischen Quartier Köln
- NS-Dokumentationszentrum Köln: 360-Grad-Rundgang zur Ausstellung: Synagogen in Deutschland – eine virtuelle Rekonstruktion
Architecture
Synagogue and furnishings
Portraits
Everyday life
Manuscripts and documents
Cemeteries
Discrimination and persecution
Monuments and Memorial Centers
Exhibitions
