Minor Castles as Phenomenom of Social and Territorial Change. The Examples of Schleswig and Holstein (13th to 16th Century)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Oliver Auge
• Subject Area: Medieval History
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 270151878

The transition from the High to the Late Middle Ages is characterized by several changes in society, which, when applied to the lower nobility, might be described as a consolidation of reign from below. Since the increasing quantity of minor castles of the lower nobility during the 13th century is the major evidence for these changes, the correlations between the emergence and spread of minor castles and the genesis and transformation of the lower nobility have to be examined. This is preferably ensured by area studies, since in this way, referring to Ludwig Petry (unlimited within limits), it is possible to gather most of the available sources regarding this subject, whereas their interpretation allows statements beyond the scope of the single example.The project aims at systematically examining these reciprocal interdependencies by reference to Schleswig and Holstein, since the nobility played a vital role particularly in these regions. Based on 1.5 years of intensive preliminary studies, the project with its 2 staff members on a 65% basis is laid out for 3 years and split into 3 work stages. Quality control is ensured by a scientific advisory board. During the first stage, the research project is concerned with gathering information about the approx. 300 castle grounds existing within the regions as well as about the persons related to them, based on written or tangible sources (f.i. toponyms, documents, or seal stamps). During the 2nd stage, the respective findings will systematically be related to each other. Questions about the function of these minor castles as well as about the position of the persons related to them within the emerging territorial sovereignty will be raised. This leads to a clearer understanding of the yet rarely examined phenomenon of the lower nobility of these regions, and furthermore grants access to the still unsettled debate on ministeriales. In the course of the 3rd stage, one monograph for each area is made up in due consideration of a comparative leading question. Both works are to be seen as a move towards both a reassessment of the lower nobility north of the Elbe, currently conceptualized by the applicant, and a classical castle compendium.Since Schleswig and Holstein are corresponding to both Denmark and the Holy Roman Empire, the project inherently is internationally oriented, which reflects in transboundary cooperations. The significant structural and legal differences provide ideal conditions to contrast minor castles in Schleswig with those in Holstein. Especially the ongoing migration of the Holstein nobility towards Schleswig beginning in the 14th century, the associated effects on the nobility already existing in Schleswig, and the backlashes on Holstein have to be taken into account. The research project, the first of its kind, gives reason to expect findings, whose relevance far exceeds the area considered, since it is embedded in a European context and can thus be applied to similar regions.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants