ORF-E
German in English Subtitles
1 x 52 min / 1 x 45 min

The Reichskrone or “Imperial Crown” is one of Europe’s most significant crowns and has remained a symbol of great power within the Holy Roman Empire for around 1,000 years. For centuries, emperors and subjects alike attributed the crown and the powers it conveyed to Charlemagne, the founder of the empire. And yet he never wore it. To date, the true origins of the Reichskrone remain a mystery. Now, a number of scientists from across Europe join forces to find answers to the many questions surrounding the imperial headdress. The director Klaus T. Steindl takes the viewer on a journey through 1,000 years of European history, examining state-of-the-art research methods and cultural mores through the ages along the way.