The Three Magi
Klaus Hardering
The translation of the bones Three Holy Kings from Milan to Cologne in 1164 by Archbishop Rainald Dassel made Cathedral one most important pilgrim sites Europe. Sometime between 1190 and 1220–30, a golden châsse was house relics, with its iconographic programme referring relics’ legitimizing role for German Kingdom. location shrine old Carolingian is not well known. In existing Gothic construction, begun 1248, crossing intended be which would later displayed. Due long construction time, this never realized, relics remained axial chapel centuries. Medieval pilgrims’ badges found various parts Europe bear witness importance pilgrimage Cologne. Later, “Three-Magi-letters” – prayer-leaflets paper or silk, brought touch skulls became popular. were examined 1864. Recent investigations revealed wrapping fabrics as late ancient woven block damask purple border gold threads. Fabrics like exclusively produced Syrian region during second third century, testament history veneration.