European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 7, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Clockwise from top Model of Henry ill s Palace in Coslar the most splendid in the Salian Empire jewel encrusted Cross commissioned by Henry Iii a combination Eagle and Peacock in Gold symbolizing the resurrection from the Royal Treasury. File unfocused look at the Salian Empire by de Reavis staff writer when the Salian dynasty exhibition finally opened recently at the historic museum in Speyer Germany it was met with great expectations. The exhibit had been delayed for More than two years while a Section of the museum was repaired to get it into a shape suitable for showing the valuable articles gathered from collections in 19 countries. Unfortunately the exhibition does t meet expectations. It has an impressive array of artefacts religious and secular a More than 3,500 articles a but lacks focus. The exhibit s expressed purpose is to show How the peasants burghers and Royalty lived during the reign of the Salian Kings. The show Falls Short of its goal. It fails to impart a feeling for who the ruling class was these Salinas and their court. Although it has ample examples of How the people lived and played they Don t jell into a coherent picture. The recurring plague of hunger throughout the dynasty s reign is mentioned but not imparted in a manner to impress the visitor. Nor does the exhibit Tell much about the High jewish culture that flourished during the period in the cities of Mainz Worms and Speyer the seat of the Empire. The pieces on exhibit Are certainly Worth viewing. More than 150 specialists from 17 countries collaborated on assembling the show which is insured for More than $228 million. The exhibit is divided into two parts. The first is a description of the Salian Empire with historical maps of the period. It includes artefacts from daily life of peasants town residents and knights in various parts of the Empire. On display Are jewelry bookbinding textiles several codices models of architecture and religious articles. The second part is devoted to Church Art Reli quaries ornamented crosses baptism founts Church Bells and the like. The museum usually has some 60,000 visitors a year. It exceeded that number during the first 10 Days of the exhibition. Pottery from the area around Cologne one of the Empire s major Ceramic producing regions. The Salinas ruled the greater part of Western Europe for Only 100 years from 1024 to 1125, but left their indelible Mark on history. The reign was marked by efforts to increase secular Power and a conflict with the Church Hierarchy Over the appointment of Church officials. The dynasty was started by Conrad ii who became King of Germany and emperor of the holy roman Empire after the last Saxon King died. Conrad consolidated Imperial authority and prepared the Way for a hereditary monarchy. His son Henry Iii promoted a movement to purge the Church and by making Good use of ties with German churchmen and virtual control of the papacy created a Strong Central government. Although Henry s authority was accepted As being divinely sanctioned the Rule of his son Henry in was not. The papacy with the support of some German nobility challenged his authority. The uprising grew into a conflict with Pope Gregory Vii that Henry eventually lost and As a result he was forced to stand Barefoot in the Snow until being pardoned by the Pope. But when Henry returned to Germany he renewed the conflict yith the Pope and Nobles and much blood was shed until the King died in what is now i amp be Belgium while raising an army. His son Henry a who led the final rebellion succeeded him and eventually made peace with the Pope. Henry v died without an heir in 1125, marking the end of the Empire. Guided Tours of the Speyer exhibit Are available in English a and in four other languages. For More information Call 06232-102206. If calling from outside Germany be sure to add the country code. The Salian dynasty runt until Juna 21 and la Opan daily from 9 am. To 7 pm and until 9 . On Tua Adaya and thu Ramdaya. Admi Aaton la 10 Marka about $6 25. Troupa and Audenta Gat a Lacour. May 7, 1992