Exploiting the Conquerors: Socio-political Strategies of Estonian Elites During the Crusades and Christianisation, 1200–1300

Kristjan Kaljusaar

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Chapter 3 Exploiting the Conquerors

Socio-political Strategies of Estonian Elites During the Crusades and Christianisation, 1200–1300

于Baltic Crusades and Societal Innovation in Medieval Livonia, 1200-1350

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Kristjan Kaljusaar

Kristjan Kaljusaar
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类型:: 章节

Page Range:: 55–89

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004512092_004

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Abstract

Latin mission and crusades of the thirteenth century enabled North German prelates and the king of Denmark to assert direct political and religious control over Eastern Baltic lands. Some local elites of this region nevertheless retained certain authority under the rule of these Christian princes, as exemplified by an analysis of two North Estonian provinces: Harria and Revala. The first crusading expeditions directed against these territories likely allowed native war chiefs to reinforce their socio-political influence by organising raids against invaders, often making use of more potent allies. Eventually, however, cooperation with Latin factions provided other successful strategies for local dignitaries to retain power in a changing environment. Building communication networks involving foreign rulers and nobles, oftentimes acting as hostages or vassals, likely elevated the Estonian elites’ standing in Christianised Harria and Revala. The integration with new power structures, most notably by receiving fiefs, strengthened not only the political but also the economic status of autochthonic warriors. A careful reading of the Estonian list in Liber Census Daniae additionally demonstrates how native elites, who possibly formed a wide stratum of minor dignitaries, acted as local nodes in the power networks of Danish-ruled Harria and Revala. Commonly overshadowed in written sources by the prestigious tenants-in-chief, they likely held extensive authority in specific communities.

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Baltic Crusades and Societal Innovation in Medieval Livonia, 1200-1350

丛编： The Northern World, 卷： 93

ISBN:: 9789004512092

出版社:: Brill

印刷出版日期:: 14 Jul 2022

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Chapter 3 Exploiting the Conquerors

Socio-political Strategies of Estonian Elites During the Crusades and Christianisation, 1200–1300

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Baltic Crusades and Societal Innovation in Medieval Livonia, 1200-1350

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