Modern Basel is the heart of Swiss science. This scientific and industrial giant today is the second most important city in the country. But such prosperity was achieved relatively recently, since several centuries ago the city was under the rule of several states and was repeatedly devastated after another change of government.
However, all this did not prevent Basel from surviving and achieving true prosperity. However, contrary to the classical tradition, the inhabitants of the city did not want to perpetuate their exploits in official symbols, and the coat of arms of Basel contains only one element - the stylized bishop's rod. Although it is enough to even touch the history of the city a little to understand why the bishop's rod takes such an honorable place here.
Description of the coat of arms
As already mentioned, in the photo or image of the coat of arms, you can see only two elements: a shield; bishop's rod. At first glance, it looks a bit scanty, it may even seem that the residents simply did not have enough imagination. However, this is not at all the case, and the specified element is not at all in vain in such an honorable place.
History of the coat of arms
The history of the Basel coat of arms is inextricably linked with the history of the city itself. It was founded in 44 BC by the Celts, but was later captured by the ancient Romans and existed for several centuries as a transshipment base for troops. Such a bleak existence could have lasted longer if the city had not been given over to the rule of the princes-bishops. And this can be considered a turning point in his history.
Under the leadership of the new authorities, Basel began to expand rapidly. It was surrounded by powerful fortifications, a bridge was thrown across the river, churches and municipal buildings began to appear inside the city, and commodity circulation in the port increased noticeably. Thus, the arrival of the princes-bishops turned the provincial town into a major center, which is why the symbol of episcopal power is so important here.
However, the use of scepters and wands in heraldry was already traditional at that time. Therefore, in addition to the above interpretation, there is a more general one. In European heraldry, scepters and wands are symbols of creativity and power. Moreover, the power, not taken by force, but just, legitimate and sent from above power, which is not engaged in management, but rather protection and patronage. And this definition, in general, can also be attributed to Basel, where the princes-bishops did not preach an authoritarian policy of government, but rather patronized merchants, artisans, people of art and everyone who actively participated in the life of the city.
