1700 years of the Archdiocese of Cologne. Two of the best experts on the history of the city and diocese of Cologne trace the paths of the bearers of the Cologne mitre over nearly two millennia. The first bishop, Maternus, can be traced back to the year 313. Since then, each bishop has carried out their office in very different ways during changing times. Their era and environment, as well as the political and economic conditions, continually set new frameworks. Some bishops have left hardly any traces, while others have significantly shaped their time. No one has left no traces, but each has done so differently. This book tells the story of all of them. Each diocesan bishop of Cologne, from Saint Maternus to the current Cardinal Joachim Meisner, is presented with relevant life, ordination, and office dates, but above all, as a reflection of their time and as an active figure. Thus, the book narrates our diocese, city, and K.