Hohenzollerns: Sarcophagus in dim light
The new Hohenzollern crypt in Berlin Cathedral, costing nearly 30 million euros, serves as a monument to dynastic birth stress and child mortality.
The article discusses the historical significance and cultural context of the new Hohenzollern crypt located in Berlin Cathedral, which recently opened at a cost of nearly 30 million euros. Unlike the famed burial places of other dynastic families in Germany such as the Habsburgs and Wittelsbachs, the Hohenzollern lineage previously lacked a fitting tribute in Berlin, which contributed to a local sentiment of underappreciation. This crypt not only serves as a final resting place for members of the Hohenzollern family but also stands as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in dynastic lineage, such as the historical issues surrounding high rates of infant mortality and the pressures of royal succession.
Furthermore, the author reflects on how this crypt becomes part of the larger narrative of royal burials in Germany, emphasizing the crypt's function as a memorial not just for the deceased but also as a means to understand the broader implications of royal life and death. It underscores the realities of historic royalty where child mortality was a significant concern, highlighting how these dynastic families navigated the complexities of lineage under pressure. The crypt, thus, is positioned as both a physical and symbolic location that allows visitors to engage with the heavy history associated with the Hohenzollern family while underscoring their unique narrative within the tapestry of German royal history.