The old Roman and Frankish town at the northern edge of the Eifel where the Aachen, Trier and Cologne roads meet.
Philip's army came this way in late August 1199 and ravaged the plain from here to Cologne. Town rights come in the first half of the thirteenth century.
Who holds it
- Name
- Not pinned (claims of the archbishop of Cologne and of the Jülich side)
- Title
- Lord
- Confidence
- low
Lord in 1200
Not pinned: the old royal centre of the Zülpichgau; a first castle was built 'unlawfully' by the Jülich side (undated); the archbishop fortifies the town in 1278-1285.
How things stand that morning
Lordship disputed between Cologne and Jülich in the longer run; Philip's staging point in 1199.
Charter
Later.
Walls and castle
Roman walls; later Cologne fortification.
Trade and crafts
Road junction, grain.
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: The 1199 raid is attested; the lordship is not pinned.
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.