Bernward’s term as Bishop of Hildesheim time in office falls during the era of the Saxon emperors, who have their roots in the area around Hildesheim and are personally related to Bernward.

Hildesheim is a center of power in the Holy Roman Empire and Bernward is determined to give his city an image fitting for one of its stature.

The column he plans on the model of Trajan's Column at Rome never comes to fruition, but Bernward has revived classical precedent by having his name stamped on roof tiles made under his direction.

Bernward has built up the cathedral district with a strong twelve-towered wall and erects further forts in the countryside to protect against attacks by the neighboring Slavic peoples.

Under his direction have arisen numerous churches and other edifices, including even fortifications for the defense of his episcopal city against the invasions of the pagan Normans.

He has protected his diocese vigorously from the attacks of the Normans.