Rich Archbishop, rich Spirituality

The city's ruler, Archbishop Siegfried III of Eppstein (r. 1230-1249), granted the people of Mainz extensive privileges, including the free election of the members of their city council. This support is also evident in the representative decoration of the cathedral, which was damaged by fire. He hired excellently trained stonemasons who, under the influence of the early French Gothic style, made the west fountain and the side choir screens. They probably belonged to the workshop of the "Naumburg Master". The residential buildings in the cathedral area also bear witness to the quality furnishings of a rich clergy. Siegfried III was buried in the cathedral after his death in 1249. The spoke-wheel brooch found in the cathedral area, due to its almost identical design to Siegfried's pontifical ring, may have belonged to his precious episcopal equipment.