Die geliehene Zeit eines Konigs: Der 'arme' Ruprecht und die Reichsfinanzen (1400--1410)

Late Middle Ages Roman-German kings were poor due to the crown estate's erosion, general imperial taxes, and the coherence problem of the royal distance. An exemplary study examines how the crown dealt with these dilemmas, showing how Ruprecht managed best.

Format: Hardback
Length: 329 pages
Publication date: 10 October 2022
Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht GmbH & Co KG

King Ruprecht (1400-1410) of the Palatine House of Wittelsbach is often portrayed in literature as a poor ruler. During the late Middle Ages, the Roman-German kings faced significant financial constraints when it came to funding the requirements of their imperial government. Structurally, the crown was grappling with two prevailing phenomena. Firstly, the crown estate had significantly eroded, despite Rudolf von Habsburg's reindications. Secondly, the privilege armor of princes, nobility, imperial cities, and the coherence problem of the royal distance in the north posed challenges in the collection of general imperial taxes.

To address these dilemmas, an exemplary study delves into the strategies employed by the crown, court, and chancellery to finance government activities and establish an efficient administration. Through a comprehensive analysis of thousands of promissory notes and receipts, the study demonstrates why King Ruprecht was considered the late medieval king who managed his finances most effectively.

The study highlights the various negotiation methods employed by the king, court, and chancellery to secure the necessary financial resources. These methods included issuing promissory notes, which were essentially promises to pay back money in the future, and receipts, which served as evidence of financial transactions. By leveraging these instruments, the crown was able to mobilize funds and ensure the smooth functioning of the government.

Furthermore, the study sheds light on the challenges faced by the crown in setting up an efficient administration. The late medieval period was characterized by a complex web of political and administrative structures, and the crown had to navigate through these complexities to ensure effective governance. The study explores the strategies employed by the crown to streamline processes, improve communication, and enhance the overall efficiency of the administration.

In conclusion, the study provides valuable insights into the financial challenges faced by the Roman-German kings during the late Middle Ages. It sheds light on the strategies employed by the crown to secure financial resources and establish an efficient administration. By examining the case of King Ruprecht, the study highlights the importance of effective financial management in the governance of medieval kingdoms.

Dimension: 235 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783525368602