Editing History of Cologne (section)

==Early modern period==
[[File:Köln Cologne by Hollar 1633.jpg|thumb|left|Panorama of Cologne in 1633]]
[[File:Rekonstruktion der Stadt Köln im 17. Jahrhundert.webm|thumb|Reconstruction of Cologne in the 17th century (German, English subtitles are available)]]

In the beginning of Early modern period, Reformation continuously tempted the leading classes of Cologne. In 1582, Archbishop [[Gebhard Truchsess von Waldburg]] converted to the Reformed faith and attempted to reform practices in the city's churches. This was violently opposed by the Wittelsbachs, leading to the [[Cologne War]]. The city's population, following the lead of the cathedral clergy, generally preferred the influence of the Pope in Rome to the Archbishop on their doorstep and so the city was spared the worst of the devastation inflicted on the surrounding towns and countryside.

From 1583 to 1761, all ruling archbishops came from the [[Wittelsbach]] dynasty. As powerful [[Prince-elector|electors]], the archbishops repeatedly challenged Cologne's free status during the 17th and 18th centuries, resulting in complicated legal affairs, which were handled by diplomatic means, usually to the advantage of the city.

In the period of the persecution of witches (1435–1655), 37 people were executed in Cologne, mostly during the reign of Archbishop [[Ferdinand of Bavaria (bishop)|Ferdinand of Bavaria]] in the years 1626 to 1631. One of those executed was [[Katharina Henot]], the first known female postmaster of Germany and an influential citizen. She apparently fell victim to a conspiracy of her enemies among the city authorities after proceedings which were flawed according to the laws of the period.