Compare the achievements of the Church of Riga and the Swordbrothers in the Christianisation of Livonia
Compare the achievements of the Church of Riga and the Swordbrothers in the Christianisation of Livonia.
Following the limited success of Berthold and Meinhard, the diplomatically astute Bishop Albert was elected to lead the conversion mission in Livonia. Albert quickly recognised that a combination of treaties, but more so military strength would be decisive in the success of the campaign. Inevitably Albert faced hostile opposition upon his arrival, yet a small band of resolute Friesian warriors secured his position and re-instated the peace. Henceforth despite the Bishop’s efforts to ensure a constant flow of recruits, Albert realised that a permanent military presence needed to be in place and thus formed the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in 1202. However, throughout Albert’s time in power, it is evident that the Swordbrothers’ became a central paradox in Albert’s ambitions. Nicholson acknowledges that “there was seldom a time where the Sword Brothers were not being praised and at the same time criticised by both lay and ecclesiastical elements of society”1; indeed Albert resented their aggressive, impolitic policies which were often viewed to impede the Christianisation of Livonia but he also progressively relied on their force to maintain dissent and discipline, particularly while he was ruling via ‘remote control’. Henceforth the central focus of this essay will be to analyse the respective successes of Bishop Albert and the Swordbrothers’ policies in establishing an effective government in Livonia as well as their success as missionaries.
Brundage notes that “By 1208, Bishop Albert had the machinery of his new principality working smoothly... most had been compelled by force of fear to accept the Christian name”2. Thus early in his reign the Swordbrothers were utilized astutely to support Albert’s policy making and to suppress any uprisings and religious dissent. Certainly, Brundage’s comment is derived from the strength of support Albert culminated in
Following the limited success of Berthold and Meinhard, the diplomatically astute Bishop Albert was elected to lead the conversion mission in Livonia. Albert quickly recognised that a combination of treaties, but more so military strength would be decisive in the success of the campaign. Inevitably Albert faced hostile opposition upon his arrival, yet a small band of resolute Friesian warriors secured his position and re-instated the peace. Henceforth despite the Bishop’s efforts to ensure a constant flow of recruits, Albert realised that a permanent military presence needed to be in place and thus formed the Livonian Brothers of the Sword in 1202. However, throughout Albert’s time in power, it is evident that the Swordbrothers’ became a central paradox in Albert’s ambitions. Nicholson acknowledges that “there was seldom a time where the Sword Brothers were not being praised and at the same time criticised by both lay and ecclesiastical elements of society”1; indeed Albert resented their aggressive, impolitic policies which were often viewed to impede the Christianisation of Livonia but he also progressively relied on their force to maintain dissent and discipline, particularly while he was ruling via ‘remote control’. Henceforth the central focus of this essay will be to analyse the respective successes of Bishop Albert and the Swordbrothers’ policies in establishing an effective government in Livonia as well as their success as missionaries.
Brundage notes that “By 1208, Bishop Albert had the machinery of his new principality working smoothly... most had been compelled by force of fear to accept the Christian name”2. Thus early in his reign the Swordbrothers were utilized astutely to support Albert’s policy making and to suppress any uprisings and religious dissent. Certainly, Brundage’s comment is derived from the strength of support Albert culminated in