The Early Danish-Muscovite Treaties 1493-1523: Texts, Contexts, Diplomacy

In 1493, King Hans of Denmark and Grand Prince Ivan III of Moscow concluded one of the earliest treaties of alliance between a Catholic European and an Orthodox Muscovite ruler. The alliance proved viable enough to generate two further treaties and an astounding fifty-plus diplomatic missions between Copenhagen and Moscow over the next thirty years. This book is intended to provide a solid foundation for a comprehensive study of the alliance, with the surviving Danish and Muscovite treaty texts published in a new critical edition with commentary and translations into English.

Format: Hardback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2022
Publisher: Aarhus Universitetsforlag

In 1493, a historic treaty was signed between King Hans of Denmark and Grand Prince Ivan III of Moscow, marking one of the earliest alliances between a Catholic European ruler and an Orthodox Muscovite. This alliance proved to be a successful venture, leading to the conclusion of two additional treaties and a remarkable fifty-plus diplomatic missions between Copenhagen and Moscow over the next thirty years. Despite its significance, this unique late-medieval relationship across a religious divide has received relatively limited scholarly attention.

The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of this alliance. The author begins by delving into the peculiar customs and diplomatic practices of interacting with medieval Russia, laying the foundation for the subsequent chapters. The author then proceeds to provide a detailed account of the diplomatic processes that led to the three Danish-Muscovite treaties. Additionally, the surviving treaty texts are published in a new critical edition, accompanied by commentary and English translations. Furthermore, the author endeavors to reconstruct the missing originals of the treaties, ensuring a complete assembly of texts that underpins the alliance.

This book offers valuable insights into the historical, political, and cultural dynamics of the late medieval period, shedding light on the complex relationships between Europe and Russia. It will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and anyone with an interest in medieval history and international relations.

Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788772194059