| Popis: |
This paper discusses the relationship between Croatian noble families and the Holy Roman Empire and the political, social, cultural and symbolic changes that ensued as a consequence of frequent contact with the Holy Roman Empire in the Late Middle Ages. Beginning with the reign of Sigismund of Hungary, Croatian magnates began to intensify their contacts with their German counterparts, resulting in gradual but significant changes being introduced across the centuries. Croatian nobles began adopting titles of Imperial origin, imitating political behaviour and displaying status in the manner of their role models from the more powerful and prestigious neighbour to the north-west. These changes can be perceived in written documents, the material culture, marriage patterns and religious pilgrimages. These transfers and adoptions were neither uniform nor all-encompassing but were carefully selected and implemented by Croatian nobles primarily to further their dynastic goals within Croatia and, to a lesser extent in other regions, especially after the Ottoman threat grew ever larger on the eastern frontiers of the Kingdom and the battered defenders sought to improve their chances by deepening and widening their contacts and relationships with the Empire, which they saw both as a source of aid and as a potential sanctuary in dire times. |
