| Introduction: |
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The Coat of arms of Carantania |
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Black Panther, the coat of arms of Carantania - Dr. Šavli answers |
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Carantania and its full coat of arms |
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The Panther of Styria |
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The Blue Panther |
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Slovenia - The Flag and the Coat of Arms |
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The Coat of Arms of Historical Provinces in Slovenia |
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Carantanian Heraldry |
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Carantanian Panther and its Heraldic Varieties |
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Panthers of Carantania |
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The Helmet of Carantania |
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Carantanian Hat |
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The Peacock Feather Tuft of Carantania and the Carantanian Hat |
| Noble Families and their coats of arms: |
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The Counts of Plain - A Carantanian family in the Salzburg Land |
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Andechs - A Bavarian Family with Carantanian Roots |
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Correction to: St. Hedwig of Andechs, Duchess of Silesia. |
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The Counts of Goerz and their Carantanian Origin |
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Slovenians and the Habsburg dynasty |
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The Ottakars |
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The Paradaisers |
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The Princes of Windisch-Graetz |
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The Counts of Attems |
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The Ungnads |
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Counts and Princes of Turjak - Auersperg |
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Counts and Princes of Lamberg |
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Counts and Princes of Khevenhüller - Metsch |
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Heraldika Herberstein |
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early Blazon.com (see Babenberg) |
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| December 2008 |
| Also Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) has misleading information and perhaps falsifications. This is why the encyclopedia is “free”. Its editors cannot be held responsible for the content or correctness of the information transmitted by the contributors. Such intentional distortion actually happened to me. My name, Dr. Šavli, was quoted in an article published by Wikipedia, with false information concerning the Black Panther, the coat of arms of Carantania, and I regret this incident. |
| I quote the article in its original entirety: |
| Black Panther symbol (Wikipedia) - Black panther (Slovene crni panter) is a Carinthian historical symbol which represents a symbolized black panther. As a heraldic symbol, it first appeared around 1160 in the coat of arms of the Carinthian Duke Hermann Spanheim as well as of the Styrian Margrave Ottokar III. In this region it was most frequently imaged on various monuments and tombstones. |
| The symbol can still be found in the coat of arms of the Austrian state of Styria, although the colours have been changed. - The symbol of the black panther in its current version was first reconstructed by the Slovenian amateur historian Jožko Šavli in the 1980s. Šavli claims that he discovered that several feudal families originating from the old Carantanian erea had a black panther in their dynastical coat of arms. He also claims he discovered several documents mentioning the black panther as an ancient symbol of Carinthia. From all these evidences he made a reconstruction of how the symbol of Carolingian Carantania most probably looked like. |
| Šavli's reconstruction soon gained some popularity among younger generations of Slovenian patriots and nationalists. In the last two decades, it has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Slovenian patriotism. It is also used by several nationalistic groups. |
| Several academic historians, such as Peter Štih, have disputed the hypothesis that the black panther was the symbol of Carolingian and Ottonian Duchy of Carinthia. According to their views, all mentions which would suggest such a conclusion are vague. Furthermore, there is no direct evidence of the symbol dating to the time of the Slavic principality of Carantania. Nevertheless, the ties of the black panther symbol with the territory of the early Ottonian Carinthia seem to be beyond doubt. |
| The origins of the symbol are unclear. Some maintain it comes from ancient Noricum. Indeed, the figure of two panthers guarding the arbor vitae can be seen in an ancient Roman carved stone built into the church of Maria Saal, which was the religious and administrative center of the old Carantanian principality. Furthermore, the figure of the black panther was very popular in medieval legends: since ancient times, the panther was regarded to be the deadly enemy of the dragon, thus symbolizing the archetypical narrative about the struggle between forces of light and darkness. In early medieval symbology, the panther was often depicted as a symbol of Christ. Since 1991, there have been several proposals to replace the Slovenian coat of arms with the black panther. |
| Sources: Andrej Pleterski, "Karantanski Rašamon ali mit pred mitom" in Delo, y. 39, n. 118 (May 24, 1997). - Peter Štih, "Brskanje po zgodovini in iskanje slovenskih simbolov" in Delo, y. 30, n. 130 (June 6, 1990). - Jožko Šavli, Slovenski simboli (Bilje: Založba Humar, 1995). (The very title is: Slovenska znamenja). |
| Dr. Šavli answers: |
| It is not about a Carinthian, but about a Carantanian symbol, respectively, the coat of arms. Why Carantanian? It appears for the first time on the seal of Ottokar III, Margrave of the Carantanian March (later Styria), when Carantania in its historical existence still existed. At that time it was introduced by Carinthia (dukedom) and Styria (march). Thus, the appellation “Carantanian” means, that the Black Panther became the exclusive coat of arms of Carantanian territory, and by law wholly legitimate. |
| When I published my research findings on the Black Panther in Glas Korotana (No 7 Vienna, 1981), Prof. Dr. Hans Jäger-Sunstenau, the then chairman of the Austrian heraldic association Adler in Vienna, published in the journal Archivum Herladicum (Bulletin 3 - 4, Lausanne 1982) a review with the following title: Heraldische Symbole im Alten Slowenisch Karantanien (Heraldic Symbols in ancient Slovenian Carantania). I think, the title speaks for itself. |
| At the beginning of the 90s, I also published several articles in the official journal of the Society, The Augustan (California). The articles dealt with Slovenian historical symbols: Prince’s Stone, Duke’s Throne, Goldenhorn, etc., as well as the Black Panther. I have never heard of any criticism. |
| Heraldry is not the same thing as history, therefore I decisively reject the remarks made by the historian Peter Štih and the archaeologist Andrej Pleterski, both of them teachers at the University of Ljubljana (Slovenia). Heraldry is not their professional field. I have never tracked down a single heraldic article, that these two have published concerning this matter (!). I am asking myself, how can they dare to judge the accuracy of a study, that is not of their competence? |
| Therefore, the epithet “amateur historian”, with which the historian Štih and the archaeologist Pleterski attack my personality, I find first of all false and second tasteless and offensive. Once again I would like to stress the fact, that it is not about history and archeology but in primis about heraldry. |
| Moreover, the unfolding of the Black Panther as a high quality coat of arms of Carantania affected deeply the Yugoslav (South Slav) ideology, which is even nowadays kept alive by historians of the University of Ljubljana. In sense of this, they explain that the existence of Carantania, the Slovenian Medieval duchy (mentioned for the first time in 595 AD) was a “short-lived creation” only. It should have ceased to exist already in 820 AD. Thereafter, Carantania fell under the “millinery German yoke”, from which it was rescued by its Serbian brethren as early as in 1918. |
| In Tito's Yugoslavia such explanation was dictated by the Belgrade regime in order to degrade the Slovenian people. Here is a corresponding quotation: Says Pavle Ivic, a linguist and member of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts: “The Croatians and Slovenes have practically no history, and they never fought for their nation. They have suffered, perhaps quite naturally, from an inferiority complex, first toward Austria and then toward Serbia.” (Times International, October 14, 1991). |
| Such a standpoint concerning Slovenian history was dictated by Belgrade, and in this connection the University of Ljubljana was no exemption. - In reality, Carantania continued to exist through the centuries. In the 13th century, its lands passed under the dominion of the Habsburg family, the ruler of Austria. Since then, the name Austria gradually was put into force over the entire ancient Carantania. |
| It is only their opinion, if the teachers of the University of Ljubljana in regards to Slovenian history represent another standpoint. It is a vision which was dictated in ex-Yugoslavia. Anyway, in heraldry, my research discovered a diverse historical image of Carantania (Austria), the symbol of which is just the Black Panther. Wikipedia says (as highlighted in green), in independent Slovenia, it is also used by “several nationalistic groups”. It is about young Slovenians, who are not “nationalistic”. They only express their national consciousness and they – in an independent Slovenia - are often attacked by the Serbian youth. |
| I warned the historians of the University of Ljubljana, when they engage in polemics with me, a certain civilized level of discussion should be maintained in a proper confrontation instead of fearing a face-to-face encounter. Please, if you reject my discoveries about the Black Panther, then I invite you to openly discuss the corresponding arguments. It is not an “argumentation” to quote articles, which the public is not able to understand. Their persuasiveness should be guaranteed by the academic titles and positions of their authors only. I expect an adequate response. |
| After Ulric III succeeded his father († 1255) in office as Duke of Carinthia, he adopted the original coat of arms of Carinthia – Carantania: a Panther Sable (black) on a shield Argent (white), with a crest above the helmet depicting a tuft of peacock feathers. |
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| The Counts of Plain | |
| A Carantanian family in the Salzburg Land |
| They descended from the family of St. Emma | |
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| Dr. Jožko Šavli | |
| March 18, 2007 | |
| Some historical papers established a genealogical record between St. Emma of Krka /Gurk († 1045), in Carinthia - Carantania, and the Counts of Plain or Plaien (Salzburg). The earliest member of Emma's family from whom a direct descent can be traced is the noble Valtuni, who in 895 was bestowed by Emperor Arnulf with Trušnje Valley in Carinthia. It is very possible that he was a relative and descendant of duke Valhun (Waltunk, Valhun, Volkun) of Carantania. In 772, after the Bavarian duke Tassilo III defeated the pagan rebellion, Carantania was ruled by duke Valhun or Volkun. He had succeeded in his great endeavour to renew the restoration of the Christendom in the country. | |
| In 898, Emperor Arnulf donated the estates to Sventipolk, also called »bonae nobilitatis vir«, who probably was a son of the noble Valtuni. His daughter Imma (Emma) was married to Wilhelm (I) of the Wilhelminer family. He was the father of Wilhelm II, count of Selce (Zeltschach) in Carinthia, the consort of Countess Emma or Hemma (St. Emma, *ca. 983 - † 1045). After the death of her consort and her two sons William and Hartwick, Countess Emma remained a widow and managed her great estates. She spent her life in works of charity and piety. In 1043, she founded the monastery of Krka (Gurk) in Carinthia, where she soon after died. Anyway, the above mentioned degree of relationship has not been clearly individuated until now. |
| In the period between 1007 and ca. 1043/60 appears a certain Asquinus, a cousin or a closer relative of St. Emma. He was advocatus of the monastery in Krka, a founding of St. Emma. The records mention that, in 1066 the post of advocatus was transferred to Starkhand I, Asquinus' son. Then, his nephew Werigand of Plain (ca. 1090 - 1130/41) was holding the post of advocatus. At the end of the 11th century he had built Castle Plain close to Reichenhall. Since 1108, he bears the title Count of Plain. |
| In 940, this county still pertained to Count Reginbert. But in 963 it was already in possession of Count William (Willihalm), who had a son called Luitold. Since 976 all records about this county ceased to exist. It is certain that other counts followed in this territory. There must have been two or three of them. They were very probably from the line of the well-known family of the Wilhelminer. In the necrology of the cathedral of Salzburg of 24 May we find the name of Count Luitold, who died ca. 1090. He probably was a brother or cousin of Countess Liutbirg († before 1103), consort of Markvart III, who unofficially ruled as duke of Carantania († 1076). |
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| In the period 1132 - ca. 1155/65, Count Werigand of Plain's descendants Dietric, Henry and Mainhalm followed one after the other as lords of Castle Pux (Buchs) near Scheifling (Sagulin) in the Mura Valley (Styria). From Mainhalm originated the Counts of Višnja gora (Weixelburg) in Carniola. Werigand's daughter Emma married Count Wolfrand of Trebenj (Treffen). |
| In 1122, Werigand's son Liutold I († 1164) is mentioned in the records. He was advocatus of St. Peter in Salzburg. He married twice, but the name of his first consort is not known. She evidently was the mother of his first son Liutold II, already mentioned before 1135. His second consort was Countess Uta of Peilstein. Only she could have been the mother of his second son Liupold (mentioned 1155, † ca. 1193) and his third son Henry (mentioned 1167, † ca. 1197). The daughters Chunigund and Bertha were nuns in Admont. Uta died before 1170. |
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| After the father's death, Liupold followed him as Count of Plain. In 1188, he appears as Count of Plain and Hardegg, and advocatus of Berchtesgaden. Castle Hardegg could have been inherited from the Peilsteins. It is to be found on the Thaya (Dyje) River, which formed the boundary with Moravia. Count Liupold of Plain and Hardegg married Countess Ida of Burghausen († after 1210). Out of this marriage were born: Liutold III, Gebhard and Henry. He died in 1193. From the Liupold years the Plain seal has been preserved, which depicts two wings. The coat of arms appears later on as follows: Sable, two wings Argent. The argent and sable colours are those of Carantania. |
| His successor was Liutold III, mentioned as Liupold's son for the first time in 1176. His brothers were Gebhard, Bishop of Passau (1222 - 1232), and Henry II, Abbot of Kremsmünster († 1247). His consort was Heilwig von Leuchtenberg. Liutold III died on his return from the Crusade in Treviso († 1219). He was succeeded by his son Liutold IV and daughter Heilwig († after 1256), who married Count Henry of Schaunberg. |
| Liutold III was succeeded by Liutold IV († 1248). Soon after, in 1249, the newly-elected Archbishop of Salzburg, Philip of Carinthia, gave back to the Counts of Plain the fief in the lower Pinzgau and others »inner Gebirg«. He enfeoffed brothers Conrad and Otto with other estates. Here, the family tree, who was who, is not always clear. Liutold IV had no successors. |
| The county was taken over by Conrad I (*ca. 1180), who was the younger son of Henry of Plain and Agnes of Wittelsbach. His first consort is unknown. His second consort was Bertha of unknown origin († 1247); with her he had two sons: Conrad (II) and Otto (II). He also had two daughters: Eufemia († 1254), who was married to Count Herman of Ortenburg, and Maria († after 1299), married to Count Ulric I of Neuhaus. Count Conrad I died in 1250. |
| + OTTO DEI GRA(tia) COMES DE PLAIEN SIGNIF(er) AVSTRIAE |
| Count Otto II of Plain and Hardegg, seal of 1254 |
| He was succeeded by his sons Conrad II and Otto II, who appear in the records for the first time in 1242. In 1245 they are still named pueri and, therefore, they could not have been born before 1230. On the seal from 1254, Count Otto II of Plain and Hardeck appears on horseback bearing a shield with the family coat of arms and the Austrian banner. The legend in the seal is as follows: + OTTO DEI GRA(tia) COMES DE PLAIEN SIGNIF(er) AVSTRIAE. The family line of the Plains became extinct when in 1260 both brothers lost their lifes during an Hungarian incursion near Staatz, not far from Laa on Thaya. |
| Sources: |
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Genealogisches Handbuch zur baierisch-österreichischen Geschichte |
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Genealogische Tafeln zur mitteleuropäischen Geschichte 1962 - 1969 |
| Read also: |
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Our Castles Part II, articles: Castle Podcetrtek, Castle Bizeljsko, Castle Olimje, Castle Sevnica and others |
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Slovenian Nobility, article: Counts and Princes of Dietrichstein |
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The Carantanian Lady |
| and the relations between dukedom and marches in ancient Carantania |
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| The coat of arms of Styria bearing the White Panther on a green shield |
| with the Styrian (Caranthanian) Hat on top. |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| It is a matter of a heraldic figure, which originates from Carantania (the present-day Austria). In 1163, this figure appears for the first time on the seal of Otokar III, the margrave of the Carantanian March. Its colours are described somewhat later by the well-known troubadour Wolfram von Eschenbach, who in his poem Parzival of ca. 1210 mentions: a sable panther on an ermine shield, which later is reproduced as a black (sable) panther on a white (argent) field. |
| In 1180 AD, the Carantanian March was elevated to dukedom and since then it has been called Styria. In 1192 AD, however, its reigning family, the Ottokars, became extinct. They were followed by the so-called Babenbergs, the dukes of Austria (the modern Lower Austria), who also took over their coat of arms, the Black Panther. The Babenbergs bore it next to the arms of Austria. The last member this family, Leopold VI († 1230), duke of Austria and Styria, bore the Black Panther on his shield. His son, duke Frederic the Belicose, got into a quarrel with the duke of Carinthia, who bore the same coat of arms. In 1246, the royal court decided that the Black Panther pertained to Carinthia, which was the elder duchy. Then, Styria adopted a White Panther on a green shield (in heraldic terms: an argent panther on vert). It has been preserved as the coat of arms of Styria until this very day. In Carinthia, however, when in 1269 the Carantanian dynasty ceased to exist, another coat of arms came into use, which has been preserved to this day. |
| In Styria, since the 19th century, the so-called "Styrian Hat" was put as a crest on top of the shield with the White Panther. It is about the crown, which for the first time appears on the head of duke Adalbero of Carantania, as we can see on the fresco in the cathedral of Aquileia (1031 AD). Much later, this crown is found on the hat of Rudolph IV, duke of Austria - Carantania (1359 AD). It was an insignia of Inner Austria (Carantania), and therefore it was kept in Graz, which was its capital and the Styrian chief town. Therefore, the crown got the name "Styrian Hat". - After the WW2, the coat of arms of Styria was fixed with the provincial law (LGBl 1950, Nr. 40, & 1), where is said: the coat of arms of the land is a red horned and red armed silver panther on a green shield pushing flames from his mouth. On top of the shield appears the so-called Styrian Hat. - Today, this »hat« (crown) is kept in the Joanneum, the Styrian provincial museum in Graz. |
| Black and Blue Panther |
| The family of the Ottakars, since ca. 1050 AD margraves of the Carantanian March (Styria), administered at the same time the County of Traun (south of Linz, today Upper Austria). As the well-known heraldist Alfred Anthony von Siegenfeld confirms, in the Carantanian March (Styria) this family bore the Black Panther arms of Carantania, whereas in the County of Traun they bore a Blue Panther, the arms of Bavaria. Does that mean, that the County (or district) of Traun belonged to Bavaria? |
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| The arms of Carantania (black panther) and of Bavaria (blue panther) |
| This question is not quite clear. It seems, that the County of Traun was a Bavarian March and therewith a part of Bavaria. Indeed, the Bavarian historians speak about Bavarian »Danube Marches«, meaning not only the County of Traun (Upper Austria) but also the Eastern County (Lower Austria) and with it the connected Bohemian and Hungarian Marches (12th century). In order to find the real answer to this question, we have to go back to the 9th century AD. |
| In 876 AD, Louis the German, King of the Eastern Franks, died. This Kingdom was a confederation of duchies (Swabia, Bavaria, Franconia, Saxony and Carantania). His three sons inherited the duchies. Bavaria and Carantania were given to his son Carloman. In this connection the historians say the following: Carloman settled in Bavaria, and left the duchy of Carantania to his son Arnulf of Carinthia, except for the Eastern County (March), which he annexed to Bavaria. I suppose, the Eastern County included the present-day Lower Austria and the County of Traun (Upper Austria). |
| Anyway, later events show clearly that the so-called Eastern March and the County of Traun remained part of the Carantanian territory and Carantanian civilian administration. But they were under the military command of the Kingdom. The command was stationed in Bavaria, where the battle symbol (and arms) was the Blue Panther. |
| The original appurtenance of the Eastern March to Carantania was not forgotten. Therefore, its territory did not become a part of Bavaria and its civilian administration. Today it is a part of Austria (the successor of Carantania). The Blue Panther, found in the County of Traun, is only a remainder of the military command, which was carried out from Bavaria. |
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| The coat of arms of Upper Austria (which originated from the Traun March). Its base was the sign of the Carantanian office of Krajnik (Margrave): per pale, Argent (white) and Sable (black), as it is still found in the arms of the Traun family (next to it). |
| The same arms of Upper Austria (originally the County of Traun) depict the following sings: divided per pale, Sable and eagle Or, and paly of 4 Argent and Gules (sable = black, or = gold, argent = silver or white, red = gules). In the first half, the eagle is a sign of the Kingdom of the Eastern Franks (later, mostly called Germania). In the second half, there, in fact, on a white (argent) field two red pales appear, which originally very probably were black (sable). But two black pales, which also could have been two black bends, were the sign of the Northern Command of the Carantanian army. |
| The arms of Upper Austria originate as early as from the period between 1384 - 1395. I suppose, the memory of the original appurtenance to Carantania was still alive. Thus, in origin these arms bore the Carantanian sign of a march or a margrave: divided per pale, Argent (white) and Sable (black). I imagine, the eagle and two pales, the signs of the Kingdom and of the Carantanian army, were later added to the shield. If the territory would had been a part of Bavaria, the sings and colours would have been those of Bavaria. |
| This conclusion seems to be confirmed by the arms of the Abensberg - Traun family. Originally, they were ministerials and the first member of this family was mentioned in 1070 AD. The family bore the following arms: divided per pale, Argent and Sable (white and black). Thus, firstly, it is about the Carantanian colours, and secondly, about the Carantanian sign of the margrave, which, I suppose, was called krajnik in Slovenian (and non »krajišnik« as B. Grafenauer said). The County of Traun was in fact a march. |
| The city of Steyr on the Enns river (still in Upper Austria) was the centre of the County of Styre, a part of Carantania. It was but also the centre of the Traun March. In Steyr, the Ottokars appointed their ministerials as administrators. The first known member of this family was Gundakar de Steinpach, mentioned in 1150 AD. |
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| The arms of the Gundakars, ministerials of the town of Steyr. Their basis was the Carantanian sign of Mocnik (Sheriff): per fess, Argent (white) and Sable (black). |
| The arms of the Gundakars are very intersting: divided per fess, Argent a half panther Azure, and Gules. We established the origin of the half panther, but what means the red (gules) part below? In my opinion, the half-blue panther very probably symbolized the sign of the military commanders' lieutenant. As a rule, the military commanders were the Ottokars. The panther's blue colour seems to be connected to the fact, that the headquarter, which ordered the mobilization of the army, was stationed in Bavaria. |
| I suppose that the original Gundakar arms were of black colour, which later changed to red. The change of colours from black to red is ascertained in several arms. Thus, the basis of the Gundakar arms was as follows: divided per fess, Argent (white) and Sable (black). But this is the Carantanian sign for another official, for the name of which I had to search for a very long time. |
| I found it in the family name of the Mocenigo (Venice), who originated from the area of Aquileia. The name is the Slovenian (Carantanian) word for mocnik (pron. motchnik), registered in Italian spelling. It derives from moc (power, authority). In fact, it more or less corresponds to a sheriff. |
| Already in the 13th century, three lines descended from the Gundakar family: the Starhembergs, the Losensteins and the Pernecks. In the arms of the first, the half panther is Blue, in the arms of the second White, and in the arms of the third Black. Since the 15th century, the panthers were complete, because the lower red part of the shield was omitted. The Starhembergs still exist today. |
| Some bibliography: |
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Robert Viel: La Panthère de Styrie, in: Archivum Heraldicum, Lausanne 1964 | |
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Reiner Puschnig: Unser steierisches Wappentier, in: Blätter für Heimatkunde 50, Graz 1976 | |
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Jožko Šavli: Crni panter - najstarejši karantanski grb, in: Glas Korotana 7, Wien 1981 | |
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Alfred Anthony von Siegenfeld: Das Landeswappen von Steiermark, in: Forschungen zur Verfassungs- und Verwaltungsgeschichte der Steiermark 3, Graz 1900 | |
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Heinrich Appelt: Die Entstehung des steierischen Landeswappens, in: Festschrift für Julius Franz Schütz, Graz 1954 | |
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Das Werden der Steiermark. Die Zeit der Traungauer. Festschrift zur 800. Wiederkehr der Erhebung zum Herzogtum, herausgegeben von Gerhard Pferschy, Graz 1980 |
| I came across the coat of arms of Bavaria several times over the past years, but I have never examined it in detail. Recently, I got a booklet on Bavaria, in which the above arms were published with description, according to the corresponding law of 1950. The booklet represents the great arms of Bavaria as follows: Quarterly, in fess point: the shield of the entire Bavaria, which in fact is the ancient arms of the Counts of Bogen, later taken over by the Wittelsbachs; the arms of the provinces, 1 Palatinate (Pfalz), 2 Franconia (Franken), 3 Upper and Lower Bavaria (Ober- und Niederbayern), 4 Swabia (bayerisches Schwaben). |
| In this connection, I made the following surprising discovery: Upper and Lower Bavaria, meaning, Bavaria in its close extent, is represented by a Blue Panther. In case of the above panther sign, it is the same figure as that of the Black Panther of Carantania. Could both panthers have been of the same origin? |
| For the first time, the figure of the panther was carved on several stones from Noricum, the ancient Roman province. Toward the end of the Roman era, Noricum was divided into two provinces, the Riverside Noricum and the Inside Noricum. After the end of the Roman period, from Inside Noricum descended the duchy of Carantania. In Riverside Noricum arose the duchy of Bavaria with the centre in Lorch (Lauriacum). In about 700 AD, because of pressure of the Avars from the East, the centre was transferred to Regensburg. |
| Thus, it is very probable that the Carantanian and the Bavarian panther, even though the first is in black and the second in blue colour, descended from the same figure, which had been found in ancient Noricum already in Roman times. Its Christian meaning, in the sense of Christ's Resurrection, was given to the panther and several other animal figures by Physiologus of Alexandria (1st century AD). The blue colour, or better the azure, was given to the Bavarian panther very probably after the Bogen - Wittelsbach' arms of blue - white (azure - argent) colours. |
| (cf: Bavaria, and its origin) |
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| Slovenia - The Flag and the Coat of Arms |
| Its Historical Development |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli, FAS, KdB, FSAI |
| Fellow of the Augustan Society |
| Knight de Bryan |
| Fellow of Sodality of the Ark International |
| A referendum about Slovenia's independence took place close to the end of December 1990, even though it still was under the old Yugoslav regime. When near the end of June 1991 the parliament in Ljubljana prepared the declaration of independence, intense polemics appeared in the Slovenian press concerning the new coat of arms and the flag that should represent the newly internationally recognized Republic of Slovenia. |
| The question was open to the media for public discussion in a country, where vexillology and heraldry was hardly ever heard of. The press published some of the letters that expressed ideas and imagination of readers. The state insignia was supposed to be the most important trademark that would present the new republic on the world market. Therefore it ought to have fine and attractive figures and vivacious colours. |
| Several historians, the so called representatives of the "official history keepers", also entered into open discussions. But, because their careers were based on the old Yugoslav (Great-Serbian), or better said on the pan-Slav ideology, their interpretations were a one-way street within this ideology. According to them, the Slovenians were a nation without statehood and without history, who lived under the German yoke, i.e., the Habsburg (Austrian) Monarchy, from which they were saved and liberated by their Serbian brothers not earlier than in 1918. And in the same year, together with them, they founded the new state of Yugoslavia. |
| In spite of those interpretations, which were declared official and were widely accepted by the Slovenian public, a proposal was made to introduce the original insignia pertaining to Carantania, the early Slovenian State in the Eastern Alps (mentioned for the first time in 595 AD.). |
| However, this proposal came under attack by the "official historians" and was proclaimed as "unscientific" and unrelated to the historian process. The given explanations seemed to have credibility and were verified by people from the University and the Academy of Science. In the discussions for the new Slovenian insignia two concrete proposals were given: |
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to retain the present flag of white-blue-red, and the coat of arms with an insignia of Mt. Triglav, but without the added communist red star, in the sense of the pan-Slav and Yugo-Slav ideologies, | |
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to replace the aforesaid "Slav" colours and insignia with those of historical Carantania (Slovenia), that bore a black panther on white cloth. | |
| The public discussion resolved nothing. Immediately before the proclamation of independence, a group of parliamentarians proposed the existing flag bearing the coat of arms that was used in pre-war Yugoslavia: three golden stars on a blue field and the insignia of Mt. Triglav. |
| The proposal passed the Slovenian Parliament only a few days before the proclamation of independence, on the 25th of June 1991. The shield of the coat of arms does not bear the right heraldic form, neither does its red border. |
| In fact, the white-blue-red colours that appear on the new Slovenian flag are identical with those of the traditional Russian flag. This certainly could not have been a mere accident as it still shows the usual influence of pan-Slavic ideology. |
| The real question about the authenticity of the Slovenian flag has its bearings on influences of ideologies in Slovenian's political history. Therefore, we must go back to the beginning of Slovenian statehood, to comprehend the problem in its fullest extent. |
| Black Panther on a White Field |
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The historical Carantanian Slovenian flag designed in form of modern flags. It depicts on a white field a battle-sign, i.e., the black panther in an offensive position. |
| We learn from vexillology that the first flags, which appeared in Europe in the 11th century, were of one colour frequently bearing the national battle-sign in the middle. |
| In that period also Carantania had a flag like this, i.e., a black panther on a white cloth that later depicts the shield (coat of arms) of the Carantanian duke. |
| The origin of the panther is very ancient. The story originated in the 2nd century AD. The Greek writer Physiologus of Alexandria placed it into a collection which illustrated the events that were presented in the Gospel. Physiologus' book became part of the Bible, one of the best known and most translated ones in ancient times. |
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Physiologus wrote, that the panther was a great friend of all animals with the exception of the dragon (symbol of evil). Physiologus continued and explained how the panther slept in its den for three days (like Christ in the grave); then rose, howled and released from his mouth an immensely sweet scent, that lured all the animals to follow him so he could embrace them. |
| The panther therefore symbolized Christ and his resurrection as well as the spreading of the good word announced in the Gospel (the sweet scent), so that mankind should follow it. |
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The Roman stone (2nd century), which is still today immured above the entrance of the cathedral Gospa Sveta (Maria Saal) in Carinthia. It depicts two panthers that watched a tree of life growing from a cantharos. |
| For this very reason, the panther became the image of Carantania after the Christianization of the people. Evidence of this fact is the old Norican (Roman) stone with the relief of two panthers above the entrance of the old cathedral Maria in Solio (Gospa Sveta, Maria Saal) situated on a hill north of Klagenfurt/Celovec, in Carinthia (Carantania). |
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This mosaic is showing a black panther (2nd century AD), which was unearthed in Altinum (Altino), a Roman port in front of Venice. It bears witness that the panther figure was known already in the Roman period in the present-day Veneto (Venetia, which was a Roman province). |
| In the pre-armorial and even in the early period of heraldry (12th century) the national kingdoms and duchies in Europe, including Carantania, were presented by signs in the form of figures carried on poles as their ensigns. The traditional symbol of the panther figuratively corresponded with the mobilization of the Carantanian army against the then aggressive Hungarian kingdom in the eastern part of Carantania. |
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Signet of 1160 showing Ottocar III, Margrave of the Carantanian March (Styria). He holds a shield in which for the first time appears the figure of a panther. | |
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Another signet of ca. 1195 belonging to Herrand I Wildon, the Marshall of Styria. It depicts the image of a plastic panther on a pole, as were the battle-signs in the pre-armorial period. | |
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Duke of Carinthia, Bernard, on a signet of 1209. He holds a shield with the panther picture. | |
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Leopold VI, Duke of Austria and Styria, on a signet of 1214, holding a shield and a banner with the panther picture. | |
| Already in 1160, the sign of the panther appeared for the first time on the signet belonging to Ottocar III, the Margrave of the Carantanian March (later Styria). In 1163 the panther figure had been placed again on the signet belonging to the duke of Carinthia (Carantania). However, the Margrave of the Carantanian March had his borders lines next to Hungary and therefore became the call-up center for the whole Carantanian army. On the signet from around 1195, which belonged to Herrand I Wildon, the Marshal of the Carantanian March, there still appears the image of the panther's plastic figure on top of a pole. |
| When in 1180 the Carantanian March advanced to the dukedom called Styria, it conserved the shield with the panther. Its colours were described for the first time by the "Minnesaenger" Wolfram von Eschenbach in his "Parzival" (ca. 1210), where he mentioned the "sable panther on an ermine shield", which later was simply a black panther on a silver (white) shield. |
| In that period Styria belonged already to the Babenberg dukes of Austria. One of them could not tolerate, that the same coat of arms was used by both dukedoms Styria and Carinthia, and he requested that the Black Panther should be only recognized in Styria. However, the King's Court confirmed the rightful use of the Black Panther to Carinthia, which was the central province of Carantania and the elder dukedom. Then, Styria adopted a White Panther on a green shield, the so-called "Styrian" panther, which has been preserved until today. |
| In Carinthia the Black Panther had been conserved until the Carantanian dynasty became extinct in 1269. The symbolic colours black-white continued to exist for a long time in the coat of arms of the Carinthian as well as Styrian aristocracy. Perhaps the war-horse that was given to the new duke on the occasion of his installation at the Prince's Stone must have been of "white and black" colours (Ottacari Chronicon, ca. 1306). |
| Furthermore, it is interesting, that the Slovenian `Landwehr' (land-defense), already mentioned in the records of 1349, bore the name black guard (crna vojska, in Slovenian). This description was in use until the end of WW1. |
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The great signets (obverses) of Duke Rudolph IV the Founder (1359) | |
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and of Archduke Frederic V (1438), who later was elected king and emperor. | |
| In 1282 the Habsburg family obtained Austria, Styria and Carniola, and in 1335 also Carinthia. In 1359, Duke Rudolph, the Founder of this family, is represented on the averse side of a great signet belonging to the charter of Privilegium maius: Sitting on horseback, he is holding a banner with the panther image in his right hand. The same banner is to be found on the great signet belonging to Duke Frederic V, in 1438. After he was elected King in 1440 and Emperor in 1452, the imperial insignia overlaid the ducal insignia. The ducal, or better said, the archducal insignia of Inner Austria (Carantania) fell into oblivion. |
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Two exemplars of beautiful coat of arms depicting a panther figure. |
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The first belongs to the Hohenberg family (from Sancti Christophori am Arlberg Bruderschafts Buch, 15th century). | |
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The second belongs to the Trimberg family (from Conrad Grünenberg's Brunderschafts Buch, 1483). | |
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The panther figure on a bas-relief in stone above the portal of the doorway of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna (14th century): Flames issue from the jaws, nose, and ears. |
| White - Blue - Red |
| In the years from 1809 -1814 the French occupied a great part of Inner Austria and Dalmatia uniting them into a new political formation called Provinces Illyriennes with Ljubljana as the capital. In this political formation the Slovenian language was introduced in schools and in public administration. This spurred linguistic consciousness and national awakening. The center of the awakening was Carniola, a land that was comprised of only Slovenian speaking territory. |
| A picture from this period is on exhibit in the National Museum in Ljubljana entitled "Illyria revived" (by J. Scherer, ca 1810). The picture shows Napoleon and his generals, and he gives his hand to the Illyrian people; in the background the flag in white-blue-red colours appears. These are probably the first colours appearing on Slovenian territory. |
| This flag was certainly inspired by the example of the French tricolour that gradually spread with the revolutionary movements all over Europe. The sequence of colours already corresponds with the pan-Slav national idea and is equal to the then Russian nautical flag, which would later become the national flag of Russia. The name Illyria portrayed the South Slav nations as part of the great Slav people with mother Russia at its head. The name was taken from the ancient pre-Roman Illyria, which extended over the Balkan. |
| It is significant however, when Austria returned in 1815, it proclaimed Illyria as a kingdom under the Habsburg crown, which also had a coat of arms: Azure, an Illyrian galley in or. This kingdom was maintained until 1849. |
| In the meantime the German national movement in his striving for a Great Germany invaded Austria. Its ensign was a flag with black-red-yellow colours, which were initiated by the students' society (Burschenschaften, 1818) in Jena with the idea to restore the ancient colours of the Holy Roman Empire (intended for the first German Reich). The colours did never exist in such composition. In Austria these colours were forbidden, but nobody took it seriously. |
| Going back to the spreading of "German" flag colours, in 1848 two Slovenian students in Vienna, Anton Globocnik and Peter Kozler, devised the "Slovenian" colours. They were supposedly substantiated on the arms of Carniola: white-blue-red. In truth, they were of Illyrian or Russian (the pan-Slav) model. In fact, the arms of Carniola permitted only two colours: white and blue. |
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Coat of arms of Carniola (Kranjska, Krain) that should have served as the basis for the present-day white-azure-red banner of Slovenia appearing in 1848. |
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On the left we see its appearance from 1463 to 1836, and on the right before and after that period. In each case the colours of the aforesaid Carniolan arms are only two: yellow-azure or white-azure, because the colours of the beak and claws of the eagle as well as of the clasp (Spange) are not characteristic. | |
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In fact, the white-azure-red colours of the "Slovenian" (Carniolan) flag could not have its origin in the Carniolan arms, they were in fact the Russian or so-called Slav colours. | |
| Moreover, since 1463 the arms of Carniola bore a yellow colour instead of white. But on the great imperial shield of 1836 the yellow was mistakenly changed to white again. Therefore the State of Carniola protested, and they protested again in 1848, but all their protests remained unheard. |
| In the 2nd half of the 19th century the flag with its white-blue-red colours, identical to the Russian one, was approved to serve as Slav colours and was introduced among Slovenians as the "national" flag. This is how the story of colours ends. |
| With respect to the coat of arms in the new Yugoslavia, after WW1, the political leaders of Slovenia chose the shield of the Counts of Cilli - Celje ( † 1456) for their "national" arms: Azure and three stars in or. Some wifes in this family originated from Southern Slav families, like Kotromanici (Bosnia), Brankovici (Serbia), and Frangipani (Croatia). For this reason the symbols of the House of Cilli were acceptable to represent them as supposedly predecessors of Yugoslavia (South Slavia). |
| Therefore the Cilli family was soon proclaimed of Slovenian origin, whereas other nobles in Slovenia were declared Germans. |
| During the Communist regime, after WW2, it was obligatory to change the feudal arms. The new State emblem showed the stylized Mt. Triglav enclosed with two sheaves (following the Soviet model). The stylized Triglav shape was invented as a Slovenian symbol not earlier then at the beginning of WW2. However, such coat of arms, or better emblem, was retained until the declaration of independence of Slovenia. Then, a combination of Slovenian emblems from the 1st and 2nd Yugoslavia, at that time already defunct, was put on the shield in non-heraldic form with an equally non-heraldic red border. Following the artistic inspiration of some designer, such "arms" were put in the upper left corner of the cloth bearing the aforesaid non-historical colours. In the end, the new "modern" Slovenian flag was presented to the unsuspecting and ignorant people, who accepted it with great emotions. |
| Bibliography (partial): |
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A. Anthony von Siegenfeld: Das Landeswappen der Steiermark, Graz 1900. | |
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J. Apih: Slovenci in leto 1848 /Slovenians and the year 1848/, Ljubljana 1888. | |
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F. Gall: Österreichische Wappenkunde, Wien - Köln 1977. | |
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O. Höfler: Zur Herkunft der Heraldik (Festschrift Hans Sedlmayr). | |
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J. Mal: Grb in barve dezele Kranjske / Colours and arms of the province of Carniola, Ljubljana 1916. | |
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Karl von Sava: Die Siegel der österreichischen Regenten, Vienna 1869. | |
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M. Lurker: Wörterbuch der Symbolik, Stuttgart 1988 (Staatssymbole). | |
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| The Coat of Arms of Historical Provinces in Slovenia |
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| (Shown from the top down, and in rows from left to right) |
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| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| In 595 AD, Slovenia (Sclauinia) or Carantania was already mentioned for the first time in historical records under the name "provincia Sclaborum". It was a dukedom that succeeded the ancient Noricum, a kingdom in the Eastern Alps, which traces back to the pre-Roman ages. Subsequently to this period it joined the Roman Empire, and had its first function as an associated kingdom and later as a province. In this way it was able to protect and conserve its native social structure in the sense of the ius gentium, which Romans recognised to friendly nations. After the decline of the Roman Empire, which followed the so-called barbarian occupation, Slovenia (Sclauinia, Carantania) established itself anew as an independent state. |
| In the records of the early Middle Ages this dukedom was documented most frequently under the name Carantania, from which the German name Kärnten for Carinthia derives (Koroška, in Slovenian). This very dukedom carried its own battle-sign already in the pre-armorial period. It was the panther figure, later the coat of arms showing a Black Panther on a silver (white) shield. (See the shield on top, and follow the shields from left to right). |
| In the 10th century, Carantania became a grand dukedom extending from Bohemia in the North to the Veneto region (Verona March) in Northern Italy. This grand dukedom was composed of the Central Duchy of Carinthia and the marches. The marches advanced gradually to dukedoms. The same transition took place in the Carantanian March in 1180, and in the Eastern March in 1156, and from then on they were called respectively Styria and Austria. Even in 1364 Carniola too became a duchy. Since 1335, Carinthia, Styria and Carniola formed Inner Austria, which had its fundamental base in the historical and political traditions of Carantania. Istria remained a march until it was finally annexed to the Republic of Venice. In 1500, when the Counts of Goerz became extinct, the province of Goerz was also joined with Inner Austria, whereas Trieste had already been linked to this state since 1382. |
| In the 10th century the lower part of Carniola formed a particular march called Slovenian March, that displayed the famous Slovenian Hat on its arms. This march became a part of Carniola. In 1436, the mighty Counts of Cilli (Celje) advanced to state princes, and the Cilli properties became an immediate part of the Kingdom. (Meaning: the Kingdom of the Eastern Franks, whose originality and historic legal status was built on Frankish roots, but who also sheltered Slavic dukedoms like Carantania and Bohemia.) However, the house became extinct in 1456. In 1418 the Counts of Cilli inherited the county of Ortenburg and its arms. This county was already an immediate part of the Kingdom since 1395. |
| In the 9th century AD the province of Pannonia (today's Western Hungary) also belonged to Carantania. The Slovenian speaking area of Pannonia was conserved only in the West between the Rivers Raba and Mura. In the dukedom of Friuli, ruled by the Patriarch of Aquileia and since 1420 belonging to the Republic of Venice, a Slovenian speaking area called Schiavonia received its own arms in the 18th century. |
| The ecclesiastic lord of the Slovenian territory was the Patriarch of Aquileia. At first, his coat of arms was equivalent with that of the archbishop. Later, during the Baroque age, it was depicted as a triple cross without a juridical norm, only for pure symmetrical reasons. In this feature the arms of the Patriarch has been preserved until today. |
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| Carantanian Heraldry |
| From Monochrome to Polychrome... |
| Dr. Josef Šavli, FAS |
| The Carantanian coats of arms are in the grouping with the oldest roots in Europe. |
| Their symbols reflect the state traditions of Carantania (Slovenia), which later passed to Inner Austria. According to confirmed dates, Carantanian official heraldry began in the period after 1150 A.D. The symbols and images upon which it is based, however, are much older. The predecessors of coats of arms were battle signs, usually in the form of aggressive or cunning animals. They symbolized power, bravery and skill in the strategy of battle. Even today, such pre-heraldic battle signs can be recognized of some provinces, among them is also the Black Panther of Carantania. |
| At the beginning of the 20th century, the well-known Styrian heraldist A. Anthony von Siegenfeld, published detailed resarch concerning the panther. He determined that its origin was preheraldic. However, because his sympathies lay with the pan-Germanic movement in Europe, he extrapolated parts of this preheraldic history, assigning it to Bavaria. His opinions were considered authoritative for many years in the study of Austrian heraldry. |
| It is still the case that Austrian heraldry, like its historiography, does not recognise Carantania as a predecessor state to Austria and also to today Slovenia. It follows, therefore, that Carantanian heraldry has received little scholarly attention. For the above reason the question of the pre-heraldic and Carantanian origin of the Black Panther put on a silver shield has not been adequately explained. The figure has always been known as the 'Styrian' panther.[see left: i) STYRIA] The only logical reason for this, at least in recent times, is the fact that studies of Carantanian statehood have not been pursued. |
| Proof of the existence of panther battle sign is shown on the insignia from 1195 pertaining to Herrald von Wildon, Marshall of the Carantanian March (later Styria). It shows the panther on a pole [see left: e) WILDON]. |
| The apparance of battle signs on the shields of rulers marks the beginning of the heraldic period. The first record of the figure of a panther on a shield appears on an insignia in 1160. This demonstrates that Carantania was among the first European nations to have their own coat of arms and also its own flag. The figure of the panther first appeared on a gonfalon in 1205. The panthers's colors were described for the first time by Wolfram von Eschenbach in »Parzival« around the year 1210, where he mentions the »sable (black) panther on an ermine shield« which is later a black panther on a silver (white) shield. |
| These Carantanian colours - black-white - were used in the coats of arms of families that occupied positions of prominence whithin the state administration and army already in the period of the Great Duchy of Carantania (952 - 1180) which comprised the territory of the Eastern Alps and Northern Italy between Vienna and Verona. The oldest families of Carantania (today Carinthia and Styria) used black and white coats of arms. Osterwitz, Liechtenstein, Stubenberg and others. In the March of Treviso, the Collalto family being Counts there in the Carantanian period already in about the year 1000, bore a black and white coat of arms. Similarly, the arms of the Colloredo family in Friuli and so on. |
| After the decline of the Carantanian dynasty, around 1270, the shield with the black panther was no longer used. This symbol remained only in the form of the white panther, still used in Styria to this day. |
| The domination of the Habsburg family over the Carantanian lands after 1335 brought with it a new name for the region, Inner Austria. The Carantanian heraldry passed over into the Austrian. A new heraldry used elements of both. The colours red and white were more in fashion then, and the bundle of so-called 'Austrian Peacock' feathers was favoured. However the banner with the figure of the panther was retained as the sign of ancient statehood.[see left: h) GORISKI] The origin of this symbol lies, as we have seen, in Carantania. It continued as an Austrian symbol until 1440 when Duke Frederic V was elected King, and later become Emperor Frederic III. From that time the Imperial symbols supplanted all others. |
| During the past centuries, several successful attempts have been made to cancel titles of the nobility that lived in the Carantanian territory. The last such move was made by Yugoslavian king Alexander in the 1920's when the only title retained was that of the Serbian royalty. Today it would not matter, but not too long ago the nobility represented the leadership of a nation -- and we all know that a leaderless nation can easily fall prey to another nation noble titles no longer matter. The historical record above, however is part of the total history of Slovenia and cannot be ignored by any government of the past and present. |
| (Borut Prah (collalto family relative). |
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| Carantanian Panther |
| And its Heraldic Varieties |
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| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| Historical authentic evidence shows that Carantania or Sclauinia (Slovenia) appeared as an independent state in 595 AD, and that it probably carried since then the Black Panther as its heraldic figure on the battle field. In the 11th century the Grand Duchy of Carantania extended its borders from Bohemia to Verona in Italy, a territory, where the traces of the Panther, (also known as »la Dolce« in the territory of Veneto), have been conserved until today. In the images above we can see a variety of colours, that influenced the original figure of the Panther depending to which territorial possession it belonged. In heraldic terms these colours are interpreted as follows: sable (black), azure (blue), gules (red) vert (green), or (yellow) and argent (white). |
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In the first row we see the original Panther Sable on a Shield Argent, pertaining to the Dynasty of Carantania and to the family of Otokars, marquis of the Carantanian March (Styria). This family also administered the Traun Region, at that time being a part of Bavaria (today Upper Austria). In this territory they bore a Panther Azure on a Shield Argent, i.e., in Bavarian colours. The Carantanian March advanced to a duchy known as Styria, which since 1246 has born a Panther Argent in a Shield Vert, and still is bearing it nowadays. | |
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In the second row we see the coats of arms pertaining to some Carantanian lords: a Panther Gules on a Shield Argent, which used to be the arms of the Counts of Matrei, who had their lands in the northern region of Lienz (today Eastern Tyrol). Further we have a Panther Argent on a Shield Sable which represented the arms of the Lords of Hohenberg with their seat in Wilhelmsburg (today Lower Austria), and also a Panther Sable on a Shield Or representing the arms of the Counts of Peilstein with their estates in the Salzburg territory. | |
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The third row presents the coats of arms belonging to the family of Gundakars, knights of Steyr, who administered the town of Steyr (Upper Austria) and who were dependants of the marquis, (the later dukes Otokars). They bore on a divided shield: Gules (below) and a Panther Azure on a field Argent (above). This shield has been conserved together with the arms of the principal branch of this family known as the Princes of Starhemberg. A separate branch of this family were the Losenstein († 1692); and they bore on a divided shield: Gules (below) and a Panther Or on a field Azure (above). A third branch called Perneck († ca. 1545), had their possessions in the Carantanian region and therefore, showed a divided shield: Gules (below) and a Panther Sable on a field Argent (above), i.e., in Carantanian colours. Since the end of the 14th century the complete image of the Panther was in existence. | |
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| Panthers of Carantania |
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| In the last years, the industrious archaeologists of Carinthia (Austria) surprised the public with newer discoveries pertaining to the period of ancient Carantania. It affects in particular the area of Spittal (Špital), where the ancient Teurnia, Carantanian's second largest centre, was found. Recently, several ancient graves were discovered at the church of St. Peter of Edling close to Spittal. The archaeology describes the material culture of Carantania in that period as the Köttlach Culture (8th - 11th century AD). The illustrated findings in the picture, which usually appear in the graves, show three brooches. They depict a figure, which the archaeologists usually denote as Agnus Dei. But the figure is lacking of a cross or nimbus, characteristic for Divine Lamb. Thus, it clearly states that they depict a panther, the early symbol of the Christ Resurrection. It had the reputation of a Christian State, and therefore became the symbol of Carantania. The above-mentioned finds belong to the brooch types of Köttlach, Bad Goisern and Perau (Perava). |
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| Bled in Upper Carniola, with its tiny island in the centre of the picturesque lake, and the castle standing on top of the rock above the lakeshore, must have been a sacred place since times immemorial, to which people feel attracted. Numerous graves from the pre-Christian and early Christian period have been discovered in the surroundings. They do not belong only to local inhabitants, for the site, until the 19th century AD, was very small. Therefore, one comes to the conclusion that people from far away were buried here as well. Among them were very probably also important personalities. |
| In this way, Bled became one of the most important finding places of early civilization of the Köttlach culture (8th - 11th century AD), as Carantania's early Christian civilization is called. A large cemetery was also discovered in Bled -Grad, on a site behind the castle. Among the unearthed objects, a particular brooch from the 10th century AD received full attention. Today it is on display in the Gorenjski muzej in Kranj. |
| It is about a cast bronze decorative brooch. The border is a ring of granulation. The centre is slightly raised, and also defined by a ring of granulation. There is a ring around the central field, which comprises twenty triangular depressions, every fifth inlaid with yellow enamel (cruciform), the remainder with dark blue enamel. In the middle, we see an oval face with a conical headdress in green enamel, worked in cellular technique on the central background of dark blue enamel. The corners of the headdress are circular, and from the headdress two trimmings or sheets are hanging down from the sides, enamelled in yellow. On the sides and on the top of the headdress, there are fastened three small balls enamelled in yellow. |
| According to the archaeologists, its effigy depicts a ruler. That is their only explanation. Anyway, we can see that the ruler is wearing a particular headdress on his head, which in origin represents a decorated helmet. At first sight, its cone-shaped form shows the so-called Ostrogothic-Frankish type with protective plates (sheets) suspended from the sides. We find another example of this headdress in form of a Byzantine crown: an oval cap decorated with jewels and on the sides plates in a grate form, all decorated with jewels. |
| Helmet or Crown? |
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Decorative brooch, which depicts a (Carantanian) ruler, and its graphic design. The brooch was recovered from the finding place Bled - Grad, in 1960. It pertains to the finds of grave 9, second half of the 10th century AD. |
| It is clear, that the ruler's headdress, as depicted on the brooch, represents a government insignia. This insignia can be compared with the one that Arnulf of Carinthia is wearing on his head, as demonstrated on his imperial seal of 896 AD: a helmet with trimmings on the side. This insignia differs very much from that what we see on Arnulf's royal seal of 890 AD: a laurel wreath. The seal represents Arnulf in the role of the Carantanian duke, and it is the only Carantanian seal of that period which has been preserved to this day. The picture of a Carantanian ruler on the brooch of Bled, although elaborated some decades later (10th century AD), is a cultural uniqueness which we have inherited from this period. Is it about a crown? |
| The great cathedral, built in 1031 AD by Patriarch Poppo of Aquleia, of Carinthian descent, still exists on this site. On the large fresco in the apses of the cathedral, we see among other personalities also Adalbero, the then Carantanian duke. His head is covered with a headdress, which later becomes known as the Carantanian Hat. In fact, this »hat« was a crown topped with a crosslet, which is the sign of a Christian ruler. It was the insignia of the Carantanian duke in capacity of the Prince of the Empire.* In the following centuries it underwent several improvements and has somewhat changed. Anyway, it has been preserved to this day and is now on display under the name »Styrian Hat« in the Provincial Museum in Graz (Austria). |
| The headdress or helmet, worn by the Carantanian ruler on the unearthed brooch of Bled, is a completely different insignia. It is obvious that the helmet does not resemble the archetype of the Carantanian Hat (crown). If compared with the »hat«, we clearly see, that it has to be considered as an independent Carantanian insignia. But which one? |
| With reference to the Carantanian rite (article: Installation of the Dukes of Carantania), the documents mentions: ... They put on his head a grey Slovenian Hat... It was the insignia of the ruler elected by the people (peasants). This hat did not display the crosslet on top.** The hat symbolized the duke's power as the People's Ruler. The picture of this hat has been preserved on several seals in the coat of arms of the Slovenian March (Lower Carniola). It still appeared in the great coat of arms of the Austrian Empire in the 19th century AD. Anyway, this hat is black and not grey, which is not the colour of arms. |
| The headdress, worn by the ruler on the brooch of Bled, cannot be designated as a hat or crown. But it certainly presents an insignia of dignity, which differs from that of the »hat«. The third sign of dignity, which identified the Carantanian ruler, could only have been that of the supreme commander of the Carantanian army. Today, we have no way of knowing, how this insignia was called originally. Anyway, it is about a helmet, in Slovenian language known as a »šlem« or »celada« (pron. thelada). I would say, if we call this insignia the Carantanian Helmet, we come close to the source. |
| The colours of the Carantanian Helmet, shown on the brooch of Bled, are as follows: the yellow enamelled trimmings and three tiny balls certainly mean the gold plated parts; the same helmet enamelled in green reflects the original colours in my opinion. But the very helmet could also have been silver. It is very probable, that the green colour was not applied accidentally: since times immemorial green means hope. The helmet is without crosslet, because it symbolized the military power. |
| Furthermore, this insignia origins from the 10th century AD. Great Carantania was founded in this period, a great duchy surrounded by many marches. It is possible, that the small balls on the helmet represent the central command and the peripheral commands of the then Carantanian army. In this case, a fourth small ball must have been fastened to the back of the helmet. If so, then the ball on top meant the central command, and the other small balls represented the three peripheral commands - the northern, eastern, and western. |
| Now the question arises, if the grave with the brooch pertained to a Carantanian duke? This has not been proven and there is also lacking evidence of other corresponding artefacts. The brooch was rather a kind of decoration that the defunct received for his bravery in battles. |
| Since the 10th century AD, in the western world with Roman religious tradition, a ruler's insignia was the crown, which developed from the wreath. In the East, a rich Byzantine imperial symbolism influenced the insignias of many kings and princes. There, in the Middle Ages, the ancient diadem, the sign of a ruler, did not develop into a crown. The archetype for the Byzantine crown, from which two trimmings are hanging, was the helmet. |
| This helmet developed to a golden cap decorated with jewels. The trimmings, too, were richly decorated. There are numerous examples, which were elaborated according to the insignia of such Byzantine rulers. One of them is the well-known Shapka Monomakhova attributed to Vladimir Monomakh, Grand Prince of Kievan Rus (Ukraine), who ruled from 1113 to 1125 AD. Another example is the St. Stephen's crown of Hungary... In this example the archetype for the crown (cap) was the helmet, already topped with the crosslet. But what are the trimmings symbolizing, which are hanging from the brim? |
| In the western world, under the Byzantine influence, there also appear crowns from which trimmings are hanging, as for example the crown of Constance of Sicily († 1222), the consort of Emperor Frederic II. Over time, as it seems, the two trimmings developed to ribbons, like those in blue on the imperial crown. The blue colour presents the sky and therewith the authority, which originates from God. In case of the Church insignia, two white ribbons are hanging from the pope's tiara and also from the bishop's miters representing the spiritual and temporal authority. |
| If the Carantanian helmet was elaborated according to Byzantine standards, which is very probable, then its trimmings, too, express a similar significance of authority. In this case, the authority is not of civilian or spiritual nature, but a military one. |
| Notes: |
| *In the Middle Ages, one considered that power was given to the ruler by God. The Duke of Carantania, in capacity of the Prince of the Empire, was also considered to receive his power from God, symbolized by the crosslet on the Carantanian Hat (crown). This hat (crown) also bears a bow on top, expressisng the ruler's dignity. Such a bow appears for the first time on the crown of Emperor Henry II (1002 - 1024). |
| **The Slovenian Hat, however, symbolized the power given to the duke by the people and was therefore without crosslet and bow. Its original colour was grey, signifying the dust. The dust, it is true, is symbolising transitory earthly things. In heraldry this hat is black, because grey is not a heraldic colour. |
| Some Bibliography: |
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Enciklopedija Slovenije, zv. 4, Lublana 1990, p. 409 - 410 (Karantanija) | |
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T. Knific - M. Segadin: Pismo brez pisave /Letter without writing/, Narodni muzej, Lublana 1991, p. 95 | |
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V Šribar - V. Stare: Karantansko-ketlaški kulturni krog, katalog /Carantanian Köttlach's Culture area, catalogue/, Lublana 1974 | |
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O. Neubecker: Heraldry, sources, symbols and meaning (1976), Italian edition, Milan 1980, p. 166 ff. (La corona) | |
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Wappenfiebel, Handbuch der Heraldik (17. verb. Auflage), Neustadt an der Aisch 1981, p. 88ff. | |
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| Carantanian Hat |
| A historical insignia that connects modern Austria with Slovenia |
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| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| Today, this hat is generally known by its improper name as Styrian Hat (Steierischer Hut). In technical terms it is called the Duke's Hat (Herzogshut), or, in a more concrete way, the Styrian Duke's Hat, because it is kept in Graz, Styria (Austria). Its very historical name, if it existed at all , has not been documented in the historical records. Evidently, it was simply called the "ducal hat". Anyway, it was not an insignia of Styria, but of Inner Austria (Carantania). Thus, its very name could only have been the "Carantanian Hat". |
| As to substantiate such denomination, we have to go back to the period of Great Carantania (952 - 1180). Indeed, we discover that the ducal hat is found on the head of Adalbero, Duke of Carantania (1012 - 1036), who appears among other personalities on the great fresco in the apses of the cathedral of Aquileia. The cathedral was built in 1031 by Patriarch Popo, who descended from Carinthia. This hat is still shown without the bow (Bügel), which in that period appears only on the imperial crown of Conrad II. - Duke Adalbero was the beginner of the Dynasty of Carantania, which became extinct in 1269. |
| In 1335, the Habsburg family, who since 1282 reigned Austria and Styria, took over also Carinthia, which was the central duchy of ancient Great Carantania. In 1359, Duke Rudolf IV the Founder of Habsburg († 1365) let elaborate a great coin-seal; on the reverse it depicts the duke with the ducal hat on his head. On this picture, the hat is dressed up with a bow as a sign of sovereignty. This seal was an expression of the falsified document called Privilegium maius, by which the dukes of Austria - Carantania being the Archdukes, should receive equal ranks that would make them comparable with the Princes Electors in the kingdom. Nevertheless, their claim was not acknowledged by the imperial court. |
| Ernest the Iron, Duke of Inner Austria (Carantania) and nephew of Rudolf IV, in 1414 installed himself after the ancient Slovenian rite at the Prince's Stone in Svatne (Zollfeld), in Carinthia. He was well aware of the Carantanian State tradition, when he proclaimed himself Archduke, the expression of which was the "Ducal Hat", at that time already the Archducal Hat. The tombstone of Ernest the Iron in the monastery of Grein near Graz depicts him with exactly this hat on his head († 1424). - Ernest's son Frederic V, Duke of Inner Austria (Carantania), wears the same Archducal Hat, as depicted on the picture of the great coin-seal from 1438 (reverse). But in 1440, he was elected King, and in 1452 Emperor with the name of Frederic III. However, in 1453, the Privilegium maius was acknowledged as a constitutional charter, and with it the Archducal Hat became an official national emblem, i.e., a state legitimate insignia. |
| The Archducal Hat was kept in Graz, the chief-town of Inner Austria. The Habsburg kings and emperors dwelt in Prague and in Vienna, and because of the rather large distance between their courts and Graz, the aforesaid hat, which represented the value of the Carantanian state insignia, was long forgotten. It was used only on special occasions to receive the homage given by the Styrian Diet to the new ruler. In 1765, Emperor Joseph II visited the treasury in Graz, where they also showed him the decaying Archducal Hat. The ruler ordered its restoration, which was complied in the following year. This restoration gave him the aspect that it has today. Cf. A. Anthony von Siegenfeld: Das Landeswappen der Steiermark, Anhang: Der "sogenannte Steierische Hut", Graz 1900. - In the following 19th century, the Austrian administration went through many reforms. Inner Austria (Carantania) was completely associated with the rest of Austria, and the Archducal Hat did not represent anything anymore. It entered the "Joanneum" Museum's collection in Graz, where it still can be seen today. |
| At the end of WW1 ancient Austria declined as a result of the pan-German and pan-Slav ideology, which for decades intervened with the Austrian community of nations. The same Styria was divided by a state frontier: Upper Styria, which was the German speaking territory, remained in Austria, and Lower Styria, the Slovenian speaking territory, came under Yugoslavia (Slovenia). In 1991, Slovenia declared its independence from Yugoslavia, and it is now a member of Europe. - The borders between Slovenia and Austria, as well as between Upper and Lower Styria disappeared. The common historical tradition of these countries, for they all descended from ancient Carantania, could be a base for a friendly neighbourhood, built on trust and co-operation. The ancient insignia, represented by the Archducal Hat - from the historical point of view: by the Carantanian Hat - could be a visible sign of such an idea. |
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| The Peacock Feather Tuft of Carantania |
| And the Carantanian Hat with Cock Feathers |
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| celada - klobuk |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| In the heraldry of Central Europe, we encounter in the full coats of arms the crest above the helmet, which depicts the so-called peacock feather tuft of Austria (Pfauenstoß von Österreich). It is to be found for the first time in 1282, in the seal of Albert I of Habsburg, Duke of Austria and Styria (1308). Thereafter the tuft appeared in all seals of the Habsburg rulers of Austria (Styria, Carinthia, Carniola...), until they became kings (1440) and emperors (1452), and consequently they had to use the royal and imperial symbols only. |
| I discovered the peacock feather tuft (pavji cop) for the first time on the mint-seal (Münzsiegel) of 1216, pertaining to Leopold VI of Babenberg († 1230). He was since 1195 Duke of Styria, and since 1198 Duke of Austria. On the obverse, the aforesaid mint-seal depicts him as duke of Austria. On the reverse, he appears on horseback as duke of Styria in chivalric tradition, wearing a tuft of peacock feathers on the helmet ; the legend: Livpoldvs Dei gratia dux Stirie (Austria ex archivis... Tab. II). Consequently, Leopold VI bore the peacock feather tuft in his capacity as Styrian duke only. But Styria was a dukedom since 1180, before that it was a Carantanian March. Originally, the marches were first of all military districts and then administrative districts. Therefore, I suppose, the peacock feather tuft, too, cannot be called "of Austria" (von Österreich), but it must have been originally a sign of Carantanian military dignity. |
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Leopold VI of Babenberg, Duke of Austria and Styria, on the coin-seal of 1216. |
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On the obverse he appears as Duke of Austria. |
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On the reverse as Duke of Styria, wearing a tuft of peacock feathers on the helmet. |
| The former Carantanian March, later Styria, bordered on the bellicose Hungary, which was not part of the Holy Roman Empire. So, as we can deduce from some ensigns, the margrave of the Carantanian March gave the mobilization order (Aufgebot, bojni poziv) to the Carantanian army in case of Hungarian attacks. This also confirms the banner with the effigy of the Carantanian panther. The banner, originally a military ensign, did later not appear on the seals of the Carinthian rulers, but only on those of the Styrian rulers, or better said, in those of their marshals. |
| Like the panther, the peacock feathers, too, were originally connected to Carinthia, the central duchy of the dukedom of Great Carantania. Therefore, I was not surprised to discover, that the peacock feathers, albeit somewhat later, also appear in the seal of the Carinthian duke. So, the then poet Jans Enenkel († 1250) describes the crest of Ulric III of Carinthia, son and co-regent of Duke Bernard, as follows: |
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| At that time, Ulric III did not bear the panther in his arms, but the following shield: per pale, Or and Gules, 1 three leopardized lions Sable, 2 a fess Argent. The 1st part of Ulric's shield represents the arms of Swabia, and they remind us, in my opinion, of Duchess Beatrix († 1025), mother of the Carantanian dynasty, consort of Adalbero, Duke of Carantania († 1036). She descended on his mother's side Gerberga from the line of the West Carolingians, a fact that still in the 13th century meant great prestige to be one of them. The 2nd part of Ulric III's shield could be referred to his grandmother Agnes, a Babenbergian. But this sign, like in some arms, also could simply mean the appurtenance. |
| In 1256, Ulric III succeeded his late father, and adopted also the father's ducal shield with the Carantanian Black Panther, which remained in force until his death († 1269). However, Ulric's seal from the same year depicts him on horseback, wearing a pot-helmet, topped with a crown and a tuft of peacock feathers. As aforesaid, this tuft, precisely the crown with a tuft of peacock feathers, also appears in 1282, in the seal of Albert I of Habsburg, in his capacity as duke of Austria and Styria. The crown must be considered a sign of ducal dignity. - Since 1335, the Habsburgs also reigned Carinthia and Carniola, i.e., all the lands of Carantania. |
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On the left, Ulric III, Duke of Carinthia, on the seal from 1256, with the panther figure in the shield, and on the helmet a crown with a tuft of peacock feathers. | |
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On the right, Albert I of Habsburg, Duke of Styria, on a seal from 1282, with the panther figure on the banner, and a crown with a tuft of peacock feathers on the helmet. | |
| In 1286, Carinthia was given in fief to Mainhard II, Count of Tyrol, from the family of Goerz (line Goerz-Tyrol). In the same year in Svatne (Zollfeld), he was installed as Duke of Carinthia on the Prince's Stone after the ancient Slovenian ceremony, and then he bestowed fiefs and judged cases at the Duke's Throne. On his seal (Judenburg, 1286), he wears a low hat with broad brims topped with a tuft of peacock feathers. The chronicler Ottokar describes the hat more detailed in his work Österreichische Reimchronic (Austrian Rhyme Chronicle, ca. 1308). Ottokar describes the installation of Mainhard II as Duke of Carinthia (1286) and says literally: |
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| Mainhard III's son, Duke Otto, wore, as the seal (Castle Tyrol, 1301) depicts, on his head a low hat with broad brims, topped with a tuft of peacock feathers. His brother Duke Henry, on the other side, wears, as shown on the seal (St. Veit - Št. Vid, 1303), a hat with a tuft of cock feathers on top (petelinov cop), and the brim is suspended with four linden leaves. Why did the crown not appear in these seals? I am explaining this to myself with the fact, that the original family of Mainhard II and his sons were counts (of Tyrol) and not dukes. Carinthia was given to them in fief, and was not the land of their family. Thus, dukes Otto and Henry were of Tyrolian origin. They were not natives of Carinthian dukes, and therefore did not wear the ducal crown on their seals but only the hat: Duke Otto, a hat with a tuft of peacock feathers, and Duke Henry, a hat with a tuft of cock featers. |
| Otto, Louis, and Henry, the three sons of Mainhard II († 1295), reigned together Carinthia after the father's death. Nevertheless, Louis († 1305) was only a formal co-ruler, and not one seal with his image has been preserved. The very rulers of Carinthia were his brothers. The peacock feathers in Otto's seal show, that he as the elder was also the first military commander. Second in command was his younger brother Henry, whose seal depicts the tuft of cock feathers on the hat. |
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On the left, Duke Otto of Carinthia on a seal from 1301 wearing a low hat with a tuft of peacock feathers on top. | |
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And on the right, his younger brother, Duke Henry of Carinthia, on a seal from 1303, with a low hat and on top a tuft of cock feathers; the brim of the hat is suspended with four linden leaves. | |
| But Henry's hat reflects the form of the so-called Slovenian Hat (windischer Hut, slovenski klobuk) mentioned in the law book called Schwabenspiegel (Swabian Mirror, ca. 1275). This book describes the installation of the Duke of Carinthia (Carantania), and says: ... vnd setzen Im ouch ainen Grawen windischen huett uff mit ainer grauen schnuer... (they put on his head a grey Slovenian hat with a grey cord...). The hat on Duke Henry's seal corresponds exactly to this hat. |
| The seal depicts, that Henr'ys hat had an additional tuft of cock feathers on the top. They must be considered a sign of a certain public duty, which in this case very probably refers to the military mobilization in state of war. In the following times, the cock feather tuft appears in the arms of many Austrian (Carantanian) nobles. |
| Svobodini (Freie) |
| In Carantania, the different hats and feathers were also signs of social classes. - Actually, because of insufficient written sources, the first Carantanian social structure is not very well known. It was diverse from the later feudal system, and today it is called "old-Slovenian" social order. After 750 AD, Carantanians accepted Christianity and associated with the European Christian community called the Holy Roman Empire. Since then, the feudalization of their country gradually advanced. However, it took three hundred years, until the feudal order prevailed. |
| I suppose, the Carantanian duke, like other rulers, too, had a suite of valorous men. According to B. Grafenauer, the Slovenian historian, they should be called "druzina" (family). But such opinion has no base in any tradition. It is possible, that they were called "dvorniki", because only the word "dvor", for ruler's court, is preserved in Slovenian language. |
| In the following feudal period, we still encounter traces of a special class called kosezi (Edlinge, in German documents). They were free men, who had but to attend many duties. Another class was the horvati (Krabaten). They were a kind of military peasants, armed, and always on guard, prepared to stop the incursion of the enemy, until the regular army gathered. But both these classes were not numerous. |
| Undoubtedly, the most numerous class of the ancient Carantania were free farmers. Nevertheless, with the advancement of feudalism, their number diminished gradually. That is to say, they preferred to receive the protection of the feudal lord. This occurred in the manner, that a free farmer donated his ground to the lord, and then he received it back from him in fief (precaria oblata). So, he was protected by the lord, but he became unfree. The class of free farmers, who still was preserved into the feudal period, were called svobodini (Freie). They, in a great number, became free vassals, and many of them advanced to gentry. But some of them also became (unfree) knights or ministerials, and they also pertained to the gentry. |
| Traces of this class are found also in heraldry. The sign of the svobodini was a low hat, and if they were in public service, it was also stuck with cock feathers. Several coats of arms of the Austrian (Carantanian) nobility were dressed with a tuft of cock feathers. However, since the 15th century, it is considered a decoration only, and it gradually changed to ostrich feathers as a sign of the Renaissance fashion. |
| In the 16th century, we find among the arms of the Carinthian families also the arms of the family Peuerl (Peurll), which in Slovenian probably was called Kmecel (Bartsch, p. 86). The crest of their arms depicts the figure of a free farmer with a low hat stuck with cock feathers. The farmer figure is black, because the original drawing is not in colour. The Peuerl's arms were then associated with those of the family Weiß (Wappenbuch C, p. 200). The farmer figure appears again in the crest of the arms of this family. Their clothes are grey, and so is the hat, but without cock feathers. |
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The arms of the Peuerl (literally. little farmer), a Carinthian family. | |
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On the left, the picture of the Bartsch' armorial of 1567, with a farmer figure in the crest, with low hat and a tuft of cock feathers. | |
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On the right, their arms are associated with those of the family Weiß, with the same figure in grey clothes and low hat, but without the cock feathers. | |
| Boljci (Hochfreie) |
| The old-Slovenian social order of Carantania had also a leading class, whose Slovenian descriptive name has not been preserved in the historical documents. Anyway, they shall not be identified with the feudal nobility, the status of which was hereditary. In ancient Carantania, the leading class was elected in the same way as the duke. Thus, it was a kind of democracy, like in modern times. |
| After Matej Bor, the members of the Carantanian leading class were called boljci (Matej Bor, 337), singular boljec (pronounce: bolyetz). In my opinion, also the form boljšak (sing.), boljšaki (pl.) could have existed, and boljci (Hochfreie) could only have been the nobles. In Slovenian, the word "boljec" (der Vornehme, in German. i.e., distinguished, noble) was still noted in the 19th century by Pleteršnik, the Slovenian lexicographer. Even today, there are many Slovenian family names connected with the word "boljec", as for example: Bole, Bolc, Boletina, Boncina, Voncina... which indirectly confirms the one-time existence of this social class. |
| In the feudal period, the members of this class mostly advanced to nobility. Their heraldic sign was a high hat with lapels. And, if they obtained also a high military rank, a tuft of peacock feathers was stuck on top. Such a high hat is depicted on the arms of the Counts of Goerz, who were a Carantanian family, originally from Lienz in the upper Drava Valley. But they evidently were not in a high military position, so their hat was stuck with a tuft of cock feathers only. |
| In the Siebmacher's armorial there appear among the arms of the nobility of Upper Austria also those of the family Cherntner (Kärntner, i.e. Carinthian), identical with Korošak in Slovenian. Their arms depict in the shield a high hat with lapels, and on the top a . They are the signs of appurtenance to the one-time Carantanian leading class and of a higher military rank. The family is attested by Dietrich Cherntner around 1386. Probably, Wernher (1235) and Hugo Cherntner (1279), too, pertained to the same family. |
| The high hat was not especially a Carantanian sign; it is to be found also elsewhere. For example in the arms of Saxony, the ruler of which was a prince elector. But in the following centuries, the cock feather tuft was considered more and more a military sign only. In the 19th century and until the WW1, a tuft of black cock feathers was the sign of high officers in the Austrian army, which was put on top of their headgear. A tuft of white cock feathers pertained but to the Emperor, in his capacity of the highest military commander. |
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| klobuki |
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The heraldic reproduction of the low hat with cock feathers (in the arms of the Peuerl family) and the low hat with peacock feathers (in the arms of the Cherntner family). |
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The original colour of the hats was grey, which in heraldry is replaced with black. |
| Bibliography: |
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Austria ex archivis melichensibus illustrata, liber II., Lipsiae 1722 | |
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Schwabenspiegel, Österreichische Reimchronik, | |
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cf. B. Grafenauer: Ustolicevanje koroskih vojvod in drzava karantanskih Slovencev, Ljubljana 1952, pp. 80, 88 | |
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Oberösterreichischer Adel (Siebmacher), Nachdruck, Graz 1967 | |
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Karl von Sava: Die Siegel der österreichischen Regenten, Wien 1867 ff. | |
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Das Wappenbuch C des Kärntner Landesarchivs (1624), Klagenfurt 1980 | |
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Z. Bartsch: Steiermärkisches Wappenbuch 1567 (Faksimilausgabe, J. von Zahn und A. von Siegenfeld), Graz 1893 | |
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Matej Bor: Venetšcina in venetski napisi, in: Matej Bor, Jozko Šavli, Ivan Tomazic, Veneti naši davni predniki, Ljubljana 1989. | |
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| A n d e c h s |
| A Bavarian Family with Carantanian Roots |
| Dukes of Andechs-Meran, 13th century |
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Castle Tirol above the city of Meran, the ancient seat of the Counts of Tyrol (Andechs). Later, the name of this castle was spread all over their domains, which was the basis of the still existing proud province of Tyrol. |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| Around 743 the potent Avars in Pannonia once again started to menace Carantania, the early Slovenian State in the Eastern Alps. Therefore their Carantanian Duke Borut turned to the Bavarians for help, who were his neighbours and allies. But they were under the supremacy of the Frankish King, and needed his absolute permission to support the Carantanians, who at that time still were prevalent pagan people. |
| The Frankish King was the protector of Christian Europe, and he gave the Bavarians authority to assist the Carantanians in their struggle under one condition, that they at last would accept the Christian faith. This way the Avars were defeated decisively with the support of Bavaria, and Carantania was ready to accept the Christian missionaries. |
| Following the customs of that time, Duke Borut sent his son Gorazd and his nephew Hotimir as "hostages" to Bavaria as proof, that he was a man of honour who kept his word. He also requested that the Carantanian Princes should be informed in the Christian faith and baptized in Bavaria, and it all happened in such manner. This much has been documented in the well known charter Conversio Bagoarioru et Carantanorum (ca 873). |
| However, the general opinion of the historians is, that the Carantanian Princes destined for Bavaria, were accompanied by a suit of young men, who were descendants of noble families. Some of them got married there and did not return to Carantania. A fact, which explains that some isolated Slovenian names show up among Bavarian nobility. In 830, there appears in a charter the name of a certain noble Baaz de genere Carontania Sclavaniorum, who donated one of his properties in the ancient Bavarian territory to the See of Freising. |
| Keeping in mind the above exposure, we must also consider a certain Carantanian named Rapoto (I), who between 845 - 854 appears as Count of Huosigau (ca. † 870). Huosigau is very probable the present-day Häusern near Benediktbeuern. The accuracy of his name leads back to the Slovenian Ratbod, but written in Bavarian (German) manner. In 901, we find likewise another Rapoto (II), probably his son († 954, a monk), whereas his son (?) Rapoto (III) († 975) appears 947 - 965 as Count of Norital, i.e.. of Pustertal or Pustrica in Slovenian, (South Tyrol, today under Italy). |
| His son and successor was Rapoto the Saint (IV) († ca. 1006). It is very possible that he was the great grandfather of the later Counts of Tyrol, who were named after the castle standing above the town of Meran. His sons were Konrad († 1002) and Poppo (mentioned 1030). |
| Another son of Rapoto III was Frederic, Count of Diessen († ca. 1020, in Palestine). He had three sons: Arbo, Otto, and Leopold. From the eldest Arbo, Count of Huosigau and Sundergau, origins the first line of the family (Hochenwart) who was extinct in 1085. From the youngest son Leopold, Count of Diessen, origins the second line (Diessen) which was divided into two branches. The beginner of the first one (Wolfratshausen) was Leopold's elder son called Arnolf († ca. 1104); the branch became extinct in 1158. |
| Andechs |
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The coat of arms of the Andechs: Azzure, an eagle argent (left). | |
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From its origin the arms of the province of Carniola having the inverse colurs: Argent, an eagle azzure. |
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The arms of the province of Tyrol (Argent, an eagle gules), besides their different colours, they seemed to have developed in a similar manner: The hypothetic arms of the Counts of Tyrol had very possible the folowing arms: Gules, an eagle argent (right). | |
| The beginner of the second branch (Andechs) was Leopold's second son Bertold (I), Count of Diessen and Andechs († 1151, a monk). This branch developed into the well-known dynastic family, who carried its name after the castle Andechs near Ammersee (Bavaria). The name passed into history as the general denomination for this family with all their lineage and branches. The Andechs, not being liege men, were in fact a dynasty. Since being immediate of the State (reichsunmittelbar), they were independent from the dukedome. |
| Bertold I of Andechs married Sophia, daughter of Poppo Weimar-Orlamünde, Margrave of Istria and Carniola. His grandfather, Poppo by name, married Hademut (Acika) who was the last issue and heiress of the stock of Sigihard († before 906), in 888 Count on the upper Sava (Carniola), a member of the family Sempt-Ebersberg (Bavaria), and a "propinquus" (cousin) of the Emperor Arnulf of Carantania. |
| Out of this matrimony many important descendants were born: Bishops, abbots, abbesses, queens... Among them was Mathilda the Saint, Abbess of Edelstätten. Their son Bertold II of Andechs († 1188), was Count of Diessen, Plassenburg, Carniola, Margrave of Istria. His residence in Carniola was the town of Kamnik (Stein), and therefore he appears in the records also as comes de Stain. |
| Andechs - Meran |
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The seal of Andechs-Meran from 1230 - 1240, and its heraldic shield: | |
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in its upper part Argent, a leopardized lion (Burgundy), | |
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in its lower part Azzure, an eagle argent (Andechs). | |
| The most famous of this family was Bertold III of Andechs-Meran († 1204), Count of Diessen, Neuburg, Plassenburg and Schärding, Margrave of Istria and Carniola, since 1183 Duke of Meran. The word "Meran" derives from "Morje, Meer" (Sea), and refers to the territory near the town of Reka (Fiume) on the Gulf of Kvarner (Quarnero). |
| Bertold III was blessed with many children. His son Otto I of Andechs-Meran married Beatrix of Burgundy (Staufen), daughter of Otto von Staufen, son of Emperor Frederic I Barbarossa. Another son Bertold IV was Archbishop of Kalocsa (Hungary) and since 1218 Patriarch of Aquileia († 1251). His daughter Agnes Mary († 1201) married Phillipe II Auguste, King of France. Daughter Gertrude (+ 1214) married Andreas II, King of Hungary. Daughter Hedwig († 1243) married Henry I, duke of Silesia. She was filled with benevolence and charity, and with the canonization in 1267 she became known as Hedwig the Saint. - Also Gertrude's daughter, Elisabeth of Hungary, was canonized. |
| In the 13th century the dukes of Andechs-Meran were on top of their glory. However, duke Henry († 1228), the successor of Bertold III, had no children. Otto II, son of Otto I, died in 1248. There remained as heiress only Agnes of Carniola, who was married to Frederic II of Babenberg. In 1242 she got a divorce and in 1248 she was remarried to Ulric III, duke of Carinthia. In 1262, after her death, the potent Carniolan dynasty of Andechs-Meran became extinct. |
| Source: |
| Dr. Joh. B. Witting: Staiermärkischer Adel, in J. Siebmacher's großes Wappenbuch, Band IV, Abteilung 7, Nürnberg 1919 - 1921. - The author's study was based on: Schultes, Diplomatische Beiträge zur Geschichte der Grafen von Andechs, Munich 1918. |
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| Correction to: St. Hedwig of Andechs, Duchess of Silesia. |
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| In the website The BestLinks.com I found the following words concerning Agnes Maria of Meran, Queen of France.. The author quoted as external link my article, published some time ago in Carantha. Anyway, he made an error, which I would like to correct. His article reads as follows: |
| Agnes Maria of Andechs-Meran (died 1201), queen of France, was the daughter of Bertold IV (died 1251), who was independent Count of Andechs, a castle and territory near Ammersee, Bavaria and from 1183 Duke of Meran in Tirol, which has derived its name from his castle Tyrol, above the valley of Meran. The count held his fiefs directly from the Emperor, so he was independent of the great territorial dukes of Germany. Bertold IV was made Archbishop of Kalocsa (in Hungary) and in 1218 he was made Patriarch of Aquileia. |
| She is called Marie by some of the French chroniclers. In June 1196 she married Philip Augustus (Philip II), king of France, who had repudiated his first wife Ingeborg of Denmark in 1193. Pope Innocent III espoused the cause of Ingeborg; but Philip did not submit until 1200, when, 9 months after interdict had been added to excommunication, he consented to a separation from Agnes. She died in July of the next year, at the castle of Poissy, and was buried in the church of St. Corentin, near Nantes. Her two children by Philip II, Philip, count of Clermont (d. 1234), and Mary, who married Philip, count of Namur, were legitimized by the pope in 1201 at the request of the king. Little is known of the personality of Agnes, beyond the remarkable influence which she seems to have exercised over Philip II. She has been made the heroine of a tragedy by ?ois_Ponsard.html" Francois Ponsard, Agnes de Meranie. |
| Her sister Hedwig of Andechs married Henry I, duke of Silesia and was canonized as Saint Hedwig in 1267. Another sister, Gertrude was Queen of Hungary. |
| External link: |
| Jožko Šavli, "Andechs (A Bavarian Family with Carantanian Roots" in rubrik Heraldry and Genealogy of Carantania/Slovenia |
| (http://www.carantha.net/heraldry_and_genealogy_of_carantania_slovenia.htm) |
| Correction: |
| Count Bertold I (VII) († 1151) married Sophia, daughter of Poppo of Weimar, margrave of Istria and Carniola. Because his wife was the heiress, with this marriage he adopted the title Margrave and began the 3rd house of the Margraves of Carniola and Istria. Here we see an act of the Carantanian law called institutio Sclavenica, in sense of which the female had equal rights and could also follow as heiress of ruling offices. His nephew Bertold III bore since 1283 the title Duke of Meran. Anyway, the name "Meran" derives from »morje« in Slovenian, (Meer, Sea), »more« in Croatian. It refers to the territory near the town of Reka (Fiume) on the Gulf of Kvarner (Quarnero) and not to the city of Meran in Tyrol. |
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| The Counts of Goerz |
| Grofje Goriški |
| And Their Carantanian Origin |
| 1000 Years of the First Mentioning of Gorica (Goerz) |
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| Coat of Arms (Counts of Goerz): |
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Shield: Parted per bend, (above) Azure, a crowned lion passant in or, | |
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(below) five times per bend in argent and gules. | |
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Crest: a high Prince's Hat with crown. | |
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It is very probable, that the lion passant in the upper part of the shield could have been originally a Carantanian panther which was unknown in Gorica and in Friuli and so became a lion. In the lower part were first three bends, in original sable then gules. Three bends were the sign of the western Carantanian command. | |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli, Oct. 12, 2001 |
| In Gorica (Goerz, Gorizia, today in Italy) one is celebrating today the millennium since the first mentioning of this locality in the historical records. It all began in 1001 when King and Emperor Otto III granted to Count Verihen (Vuerihen, Werigand, Varientus) half of the castle Solkan (Salicanum) with the village Gorica that belonged to it, as it is called in Slovenian language... villae quae sclavonica lingua vocatur Goriza. This property was founded in the Grand Duchy of Carantania (Slovenia), which at that time extended from Bohemia in the North until Verona in the Southwest. |
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The castle in Gorica/Gorizia (Goerz), one-time seat of the Counts of Goerz. The castle was destroyed in the WW1 and then restored in an elder, more original form. It is a symbol of 1000-year existence of the town, today a museum. |
| Count Verihen had a daughter Hedwig by name, who was the consort of Markvart II, margrave of the Carantanian March (later Styria). Their son Adalbero, being married to Princess Beatrix of Swabia, was appointed Duke of Carantania in 1012, and became the founder of the First House (Eppenstein) of the Carantanian Dynasty. Around 1031 his name appears in the records also as Count of Goerz for a short while until his deposition in 1036, († 1039). The King and Emperor did not consider to replace the duke in Carantania for a long time. The Carantanian people, however, considered as their true ruler and duke Markvart III, Adalbero's son, who officially also served as Count of Goerz. |
| Even in 1073, Markvart III was still recognized as the rightful duke by the Court († 1076). He was succeeded by his son Duke Liutpold (Leopold) who died in 1090, followed by his brother Duke Henry III. The last duke does not appear in the records as count of Goerz, since this title was granted to another family at that time, who were the counts of Pustrica and of Sovre (recorded as Pustertal und Lurn in German), having their seat in Lienz in the Upper Drava Valley. Their line derived from Hartvik, in 965 Palatine of Carantania, a member of the then already ramified Aribonian stock, who spread throughout the Carantanian and the Bavarian area. The later Counts of Goerz inherited this office and posed as Palatines in Carinthia (Carantania) until their extinction. |
| The sister of the Carantanian Duke Henry III, Hedwig, was married to Engelbert, who was a member of the Hartvik line of the Aribonians through his mother's lineage. And it is very probable that this relationship played a decisive role in bestowing the Counts of Pustrica-Sovre (Pustertal-Lurn) with Goerz. At that point the family relocated their seat from Lienz to Gorica (Goerz) and adopted the name Counts of Goerz. |
| The first Count of Goerz was certainly Henry in the county of Istria (1075 - 1102). His brother Engelbert was at that time count in Pustrica (ca. 1080), and another brother Mainhard was count in Sovre (1048 - 1090). The last one had two sons, Mainhard I († before 1149) and Engelbert II († ca. 1122) who succeeded their uncle Henry in Gorica. Mainhard I successors were his sons: Henry I († 1150) and Engelbert II († 1187), followed by Engelbert III († 1220), son of the last. |
| Count Engelbert's III younger son Albert I did not play an important role in history, in contrary to his elder son Mainhard who became a very important person. Through his marriage with Adelaide († 1275), daughter and heiress of the Count of Tyrol, he entered in history as Mainhard I († 1258), Count of Goerz-Tyrol. From him descend two family lineage's, the one of Goerz-Tyrol and of Goerz. |
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a) 1st line, Counts of Goerz-Tyrol, whose first member was Mainhard II of Goerz-Tyrol († 1295), who in 1286 was bestowed also with Carinthia (lower Carantania), whereas other Carantanian lands (Styria and Carniola) descended from the Habsburgs. Mainhard's II successors were his sons Otto († 1347), Ludvic († 1305), and Henry. |
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In fact, Henry of Goerz-Tyrol became soon the unique successor through his marriage with Ann, the daughter of Vladislav II, King of Bohemia, which won him the election as King of Bohemia and Poland on the Bohemian Diet. In 1307 he solemnly entered in Prague. All this changed when Henry of Luxemburg was elected Emperor in 1310, and his partisans elected his son Carl as their King of Bohemia, who was married to Elisabeth, another daughter of Vladislav II. Henry of Goerz-Tyrol had to retreat from Bohemia, and he died in 1335. |
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His heiress was his daughter Margaret of Tyrol. Rudolph IV, Duke of Austria, had her arrested and constrained her to abdicate and to cede the county to him in 1363. She died in the same year and with her this family branch died out. |
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b) 2nd line, Counts of Goerz, whose beginner was Albert II of Goerz († 1304 ), another son of Mainhard I of Goerz-Tyrol. He had two sons, Henry II and Albert III. The last one was of no importance in the family's history. It was different for his elder brother Henry II, who became the most important prince of Goerz. |
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Indeed, Henry II of Goerz († 1323) was a gentle and good prince, but at the same time a capable army leader. He governed a territory which was much greater than his county. The Patriarch of Aquileia, who was also Duke of Friuli, was constrained to appoint Henry II as general captain (commander) of Friuli. The city of Padova elected him as its protector. In the city of Treviso he was the imperial lieutenant. The city of Trieste elected him as its mayor. The territory under his administration extended from Tyrol to the Croatian border. He died in his best years. |
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His elder son Mainhard VI died before him, and the only one left in line to be his successor was his second son called John Henry († 1338), who was still a minor. His mother Beatrix, the daughter of the Bavarian duke of Wittelsbach, had to reign in his name. She had the reputation of a very decisive and efficacious lady. Even the Patriarch of Aquileia nominated her as general captain in Friuli. |
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Thereafter the sons of Albert III, Henry II' brothers, succeeded together in the administration: Albert IV († 1374), Mainhard VII († 1385), and Henry III († 1363). Due to the brothers repartition of the family wealth, the powers of the Goerz stock began to diminish. They accumulated debts, squandered the family's fortune and it came to that point, that in 1375 Albert IV was forced to hand over to the Habsburgs the Slovenian March (Bela krajina), Inner Istria and other properties. |
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To such a degradation of the one time so flourishing county, or better said princedom, Mainhard VII' son and successor Henry IV († 1454) gave it with his hazardous way of life the last stroke. He drunk and continued to prodigal the family properties. His decisive consort Catherine had him finally locked up in the castle Bruck in Lienz in her desperate attempt to save the family and the country. |
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Two tombstones of Leonard, the last count of Goerz († 1500) |
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The first one was elaborated toward the end of the 15th century and is to be found in the cathedral of Gorica/Gorizia. | |
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The second one was elaborated by Emperor Maximilan of Habsburg, his heir, after the death of Leonard, who died in Lienz and is buried in this town in the St. Andrä Church. | |
| However, it was all too late. Their son and successor Leonard († 1500) was unable to free the county from its accumulated burdens. The incursions of the Turks after 1470 aggravated the situation even more. Count Leonhard of Goerz died at his castle Bruck in Lienz, and was buried there in the church of St. Andrew. |
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| Slovenians and the Habsburg dynasty |
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| The arms of the House of Habsburg |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| In connection with the beatification of Carl I von Habsburg, the Slovenian public is certainly interested to learn more about the Habsburg dynasty and its influence on the Carantanian (Slovenian) lands. - After the decline of the dynasties of Carantania and Austria, these lands came into the possession of Ottokar II, the King of Bohemia. But because they were fiefs of the State, it was required of him to enfeoff the lands from the Imperial Diet. However, since he opposed Rudolf von Habsburg, the new elected King, he did not attend the assembly. Therefore, the Imperial Diet revoked his rights to the lands and deprived him of his countries. At first, Ottokar II submitted to the decision of the Imperial Diet and he renounced the lands. But soon after, he entered a conspiracy with his allies. Indeed, in 1278 a fight broke out between King Rudolf and the Bohemian King Otokar II near Dürnkrut on the Morava River, east of Vienna. Otokar II was not only defeated in this battle, but he also paid for it with his life. |
| Some years later, on December 27, 1282, the Imperial Diet in Augsburg bestowed Rufolf's sons, Albert and Rudolf, with the Carantanian lands. In the following June of 1283, the House Rules (Hausordnung) of the Habsburg family were adopted, in sense of which Albert von Habsburg, as being the older son, and his issues became the rulers of the Carantanian lands - Styria, Carniola and the Slovenian March. Carinthia was given to Count Mainhard of Gorica (Görz), a friend of King Rudolf, who had assisted him to win the elections. (Carinthia came into the possession of the Habsburgs as early as in 1335). Albert von Habsburg was married to Mainhard's daughter, Elisabeth von Gorica, who in this way became the mother of the Habsburg dynasty. On June 11, 1283, the representatives of the Provincial Diets of the Carantanian lands had come to Vienna to pay him homage and swear loyalty to the new dynasty. |
| (cf: Spiritual Messages, article: The beatification of Emperor Carl I) |
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| The Ottakars |
| Margraves of the Carantanian March |
| A family which founded Styria |
| 1055 - 1192 |
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left: Margrave Ottakar III († 1164) on a fresco in the St. John's chapel in the church of Pürgg in Styria | |
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middle: Tombstone of the same margrave, erected in Zice in 1697, since 1827 it is placed in the monastery of Rein near Graz | |
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right: Tombstone of Ottakar IV († 1192), which first was erected in Zice, now it is found in the church of sv. Areh (Henry) on the Pohorje Mountain above Maribor | |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli, FAS, KdB, FSAI |
| In 1036, Adalbero, the Duke of Carantania, was deposed of because he revolted against the Emperor Conrad II. This was the reason why the eastern part of Carantania, the Carantanian March (Styria) was given in fief to the counts of Wels-Lambach (near Linz, in the present-day Upper Austria). This march shared its borders with the offensive Hungarians in Pannia and needed therefore a reliable commander to protect it. |
| However, around ca. 1050 all members of this family, including Count Gottfried, the head of the family, got killed. In the Carantanian March the Ottocars, counts of Traungau, became their heirs, having their seat in Steyr (ancient Stiraburg) near Linz. This family has also Carantanian roots. The first mentioning of one of their family member is Ottocar (Otacher) described in the records as count of the Upper Mura Valley (near Leoben, Styria), in 904. Another Ottocar appears in 923, and the period 951 - 976 also mentions a third one, who was count in Chiemgau (Eastern Bavaria). |
| His successors were Arnulf, Count of Chiemgau in 980, and Oci (Otger) in 994, Count of Treben/Treffen in Carinthia, in 980. The last count was married to Countess Irenburg, who founded the Benedictine Abbey of Osoje/Ossiach, around the year 1000. In sense of the Slavica lex, a Carantanian lady possessed the legal capacity to transact business. Oci and Irenburg were parents of Poppo, the famous Patriarch of Aquileia (1019 - 1042) who build the beautiful basilica, which has been conserved until today. His brother was Ocinus, Lord of Cordenons (near Pordenone) († 1056), he was followed by his son Otto I († 1064) and grandson Otto II († 1036). |
| Likewise, Count Arnulf had a son called Ottocar († ca. 1020) who was married to a filia of Count Arnold of Wels-Lambach. Their son, Margrave Ottakar I († ca. 1075) was appointed as head of the Carantanian March in ca. 1055. He was married to Willibirg, a Carantanian Princess and sister of the deposed duke Adalbero. Her dowry was the ample territory of the upper Mura River basin, which from then on belonged to the Carantanian March (the later Styria). Their elder son, Margrave Adalbero († ca. 1082), died without heirs. |
| He was followed by his younger brother, Margrave Ottakar II († 1122), who was married to Elisabeth († ca. 1105), daughter of Leopold II, margrave of the Eastern March (Austria). Margrave Ottocar II had three children. The eldest of them, his daughter Willibirg († ca. 1145), was married to Ekbert II, count of Formbach-Pitten. His county was located on the other side of Semmering Pass. The younger son was Margrave Leopold († 1129) who was married to Sophia, daughter of the duke of Bavaria. |
| The younger daughter Cunigunde († 1161) was married to Count Bernard, the margrave of the March Ptuj (Pettau) with its seat in Maribor (Marburg). He was member of the Carantanian dynasty (second house). In 1147, Count Bernard fell in the Crusade, he had left his properties and ministerial to Margrave Ottakar III († 1164). In this way the March of Ptuj too was incorporated in the Carantanian March (Styria). The elder brother, Ekbert III by name, became count of Formbach-Pitten. The sister Elisabeth († 1138) was married first to Rudolph, count of Stade (near Hamburg), and after his death in 1144 to Henry V, duke of Carinthia († 1161). |
| Margrave Ottocar III was married to Cunigunde, a daughter of Diepold III of Vohburg (near Inglstadt, Bavaria). He was also the founder of the well-known Carthusian monastery of Zice (Seitz) near Konjice, south of Maribor. This monastery founded in 1163, and became the last resting place for himself, his wife and his son. A legend is connected with the erection of the monastery, and it says as follows: |
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Margrave Ottakar III was on the hunt. He removed himself from his companions and he found himself in a valley under the Konjiška gora (Konjice Mountain). Suddenly he saw a very white hind and he followed her. At a place, were later on the monastery was built, the hind disappeared. The margrave was tired, he dismounted from his horse and stretched his legs under a tree. Before he fell asleep he saw St. John the Baptist who ordered him to erect a monastery of the Carthusians at that very spot. Meanwhile the hunters of the duke's party came closer while shouting and hollering. Before the showing teeth of the catching dogs a hare took shelter in the duke's arms. The cries of the hunters woke up the duke who, seeing the hare, exclaimed in Slovenian (clamore intonuit in Sclavonicae lingua): »Seitz, on Seitz« (in Slovenian: »Zajc, glej zajca!«). Soon after the duke started to build the monastery and called it Seitz. In the Latin records the valley was called from then on "vallis Sancti Johannis Baptist in Sclauonia". |
| The original Slovenian name is Zice. It was the first Carthusian monastery in Middle Europe. |
| The last ruler of the ample Carantanian March, Margrave and Duke Ottakar IV, was born in 1163. He grew up under the tutelage of his mother Cunigunde. In 1180, when he was 17, the Carantanian March advanced. The Dukedom of Styria was born, named so after the town of Steyr, the ancient seat of the Ottocars, margraves and now dukes. |
| But Duke Ottocar IV was incurable ill, and was aware that he will remain without successors. Therefore, in 1186, he convoked an assembly of the Styirian and Austrian nobility on Georgenberg above the River Enns, and he nominated as his heir Leopold V, Duke of Austria, his relative. In 1192, Duke Ottocar IV died. With his death the just born dynasty of Styria was extinct. The province passed over to the Austrian dukes. |
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| The Paradaisers |
| An important family of Carantania - Carinthia |
| making homage to Archduke Carl of 1564 |
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| Castle Pregrad (Valvasor, 1688) with the first and later Paradeiser coat of arms |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| At one time, on the eastern shores of Ossiachersee - Osojsko jezero in Carinthia (Austria), there was a castle called Pregrad (Pregradt). In 1166, it was given to the See of Bamberg (Bavaria), together with castle Dietrichstein and the borough of Feldkirchen - Trg. The custodian family of the castle was mentioned for the first time in 1192 with the appellate »de Paradyso«. In 1250, the site was called »villa Paradisus«. In 1290, a member of the family, Conrad by name, is »dictus de Paradiso«. The name Paradiso is evidently a non-correct Latin registration of the original name Pregrad. From Paradiso the German form Paradeiser developed, and was carried on by Conrad's descendants. The family served the See of Bamberg until the 14th century. |
| The family coat of arms were as follows: Per pale: ahead Or a snake rampant; behind, per fess Argent and Gules. The snake, found in the first half, is evidently a reduced form of the lindworm and shows the relations with the family of Hollenburg (Humperk). The second half, divided per fess, is the sign of »mocnik« (from moc - power). In Carantania, these officials represented the central authority toward the autonomous mayors (župani). It has to be supposed that the colours in the second half originally were the Carantanian ones: Argent (silver) and Sable (black). |
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| Augustinus Paradeiser; |
| in 1523 Estate Burgrave (ständischer Burggraf) of Carinthia. |
| In the 15th/16th century, the Paradeisers owned already important properties and had great influence in the country. The provincial diet of Carinthia, in 1535, had entrusted Augustinus Paradeiser with several services: castellan of land, master of the land mint, and tax-executor. Later, Augustinus Paradeiser also negotiated with the emissaries of Archduke Carl II, the new Lord of Carinthia, about the obligatory homage. The negotiations were connected with acknowledgement of several rights to the provincial diets (nobility), first and foremost the recognition of the Protestant confession. |
| In 1564, the Provincial Diets of Carinthia made homage to Archduke Carl, the Prince of the Land (ruler of Inner Austria - Carantania). This ceremonial event was held as follows: After the solemn Mass in the Cathedral of Gospa Sveta (Maria Saal), the participants gathered at the Duke's Throne (Vojvodski stol, Herzogsstuhl) on the field below the cathedral. The throne was wrapped with a gilded cover. Augustinus Paradeiser assured the submission of the Carinthian Provincial Diets to the Archduke sitting on the throne. Then, he read the text, on which thereafter the Archduke swore. The core of his oath was the promise, that he would regard the ancient rights and privileges of the land. Then, the Provincial Diets made homage and swore fidelity to him. - It has to be supposed, that in the sense of the ancient tradition the oath was spoken in Slovenian. |
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| Manor Gradisch, the new Paradeiser residence built in ca. 1550. |
| Since 1729 it belonged to the Goess family. |
| Around 1550, the Paradeiser family had built an entirely new residence known as manor Gradisch, found nearby Feldkrichen - Trg. The name derives from the Slovenian »gradišcina« (now »grašcina« - a manor-house). This is proof, that in this area, at that time, Slovenian was still spoken. Like the majority of the Carinthian nobles, the Paradeisers, too, passed over to Prostestantism. Later, they converted back to Catholicism and in this way they avoided exile. |
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| The great coat of arms of the Paradeisers. (Wappenbuch C, ca. 1624) |
| In 1625, the family received the title of Barons. In 1644, they became Counts, and then their coat of arms was improved in the following way: Quarterly, 1 and 4 Paradeiser old, 2 and 3 Argent, the royal eagle, fess point: Paradeiser new. - The latter was an allusion to »paradise«, what the name should have meant. It shows: Argent, the paradise apple-tree with the snake. The family flourished at that time. In the years 1636 - 1648, Georg Sigmund Paradeiser was the governor of Carinthia. |
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| A famous Austrian family with Carantanian roots |
| Could they be considered to be of Slovenian nobility, too? |
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| Princely House of Windisch-Graetz, coat of arms after 1804 |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| The name of this family is closely related with the history of the township of Slovenj gradec (Windisch Graz, in German), in Lower Styria (Slovenia). In the 11th century this city was the centre of a principality belonging to the duke of Carinthia (Carantania). Then, it was given as a dowry to Richardis, sister of duke Markwart, and passed into the possession of the Sempt-Ebersbergs, the margraves of Carniola and Istria. The heiress of this family, Acika (Hademut) by name, was married to Poppo of Weimar-Orlamünde. Their marriage founded the second house of the Margraves of Carniola and Istria. It was represented by their son Ulric († 1070), who occupied the dignity from 1058 to 1067. |
| The name Weriand de Graz has been mentioned for the first time in the Slovenj gradec chronicles of 1091. It only could have been Ulric's youngest son (Trstenjak, 1884), who has to be regarded as the ancestor of the Windisch-Graetz family. The name Weriand is equivalent to the Slovenian form of Vecelin. Anyway, in the case of Weriand de Graz, this form has not been confirmed in the records. Sophia, the heiress of the second house, married Berthold Andechs. From this marriage originated the third house of the Margraves of Carniola and Istria. They also obtained possession of the county of Slovenj gradec (1120 - 1251). From this period nothing is definitely known about the successors of Weriand. |
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| Counts of Windisch-Graetz, coat of arms after 1551 (Z. Bartsch, 1567) |
| The family of Windisch-Graetz is first mentioned in the records in 1222. At that time they occupied the seat of castellans in Slovenj gradec (Windisch Gratz). Toward the end of the century a member of the family moved to Kamnik (Stein) in Carniola. In the following 14th century, her issues used to bear the name "Dienger von Gratz" or "Dienger von Apetz". This surname should have been connected with the site of Diengen in the county of Wolfratshausen (south of Munich), in Bavaria. Their seal of 1301 depicts a half wolf, the figure of which seems to refer to "wolf" in the name of Wolfratshausen. It was a county of the Andechs'. In this way it has been suggested that Windisch-Graetz' should be of Bavarian origin (Siegenfeld, 1893). They should have arrived in Carniola in the suite of the Andechs'. However, there are no records to verify this. |
| In the same period, other members of the family moved to Graz. One of them was probably Herman I of Windisch-Graetz, and the city judge of Windisch-Graetz, Herman II († 1329), must have been his son. From here on, we have reliable data about him and his successors and the origin of the Windisch-Graetz. |
| The records mention his older son Konrad I († 1339), and in 1329 they also register his sons Hermann III, Walchun and Jensel. Konrad I was married twice. From the first marriage a son named Konrad II (*ca. 1330 - † 1364) was born. From the second marriage he had two sons named Niklas († after 1339) and Konrad III († 1364). The latter was married first to a certain Kunigonde, and then to Adelheid of Stretwig. |
| From this couple descended the following issues: Eckhart, Frederic, Reinprecht of Walsdorf († 1407) with his children Konrad IV, Anna and Ursula. The family was followed by Eckart († ca. 1400), married to Cäcilia of Rabenstein. Their son Colmann (Sigismund) (* ca. 1379 - † 1434) was married twice, first to Ursula of Teuffenbach and secondly to the Countess of Montfort. |
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| Coat of arms of Siegmund's line: |
| 1 Windisch-Graetz, 2 Gradner, 3 Rabenstein, 4 Gonobitz (Konjice) |
| Colmann of Windisch-Graetz' eldest son from his first wife, Siegmund († ca. 1461), married in 1443 Alisabeth of Anspach († after 1478). Their descendants were Jakob Caspar, Elisabeth Margarethe, Ursula, and Katharina. |
| Siegmund's son Jakob I (* 1443 - † 1516) continued the line. His seal of 1499 depicts a half wolf. He was married to Maria Gradner from Eglisau, the sole heiress of her family estate. In 1520, her family became extinct, and the family arms were added to her husband's coat of arms. The couple had seven children. The family line was continued by Seyfried († 1541), who was married to Afra von Grasswein († after 1550). |
| In 1526, King Ferdinand I associated Seyfried's coat of arms with those of the Gradners in the following order: 1 and 4 Gules, a half wolf Argent (Windisch-Graetz), 2 and 3 Gradner. - The Gradner's arms were as follows: in fess point, Gules, an inclined fishbone Or (Gradner), 1 and 4 Gules, a church flag Argent (Rabenstein), 3 and 4 Argent, a bend sable (Gonobitz - Konjice). The church flag originated from the Salzburger castellans in Fohnsdorf, respectively their family line of castle Rabenstein in the Lavant Valley in Carinthia. They bore in the crest: a high red hat with two white fesses and a white brim; on top of the hat, a tuft of black cock feathers. |
| Siegmund's line was continued by the descendants of Seyfried's elder son Jakob II (* 1524 - † 1577). In 1551, the Windisch-Graetz family (both lines) advanced to the rank of Barons of the Empire. |
| The line flourished until the end of the 18th century. In 1682, a member of this line advanced to Count of the Empire. Through marriage family relations were established with the most visible Austrian (Carantanian) nobility, like those of Starhemberg-Schaunberg, Teuffenbach, Wurmbrand-Stuppach, Gaisruck, Khevenhüller, Liechtenstein (Murau), Auersperg, Neuhaus, Lamberg... and also with Hungarian families like Esterházy de Galántha , Serényi … |
| In 1551, this line together with the older family branch was elevated to the rank of Barons of the Empire. The arms of both lines were associated on a unique shield as follows: in fess point, the multiplied Gradner (with Rabenstein and Gonobitz), 1 and 4 Windisch Graetz, 2 Wolfsthal, 3 overturned Tragaun. These arms have been preserved until today. |
| Emperor Leopold I promoted Karl Gottlieb I Amadeus of Windisch Graetz († 1695), his vice-chancellor, to the rank of Count of the Empire, in 1658. His first marriage with Amalia Margaretha van Brederode († 1663) was childless. In his second marriage with Countess Maria-Eleonora zu Oettingen-Oettingen († 1681) he had 11 children, and 2 children from his third marriage to Countess Maria Theresia of Saurau († 1713). His position as vice-chancellor helped also other family members to receive the title of counts. |
| At that time, the family owned estates in Bohemia, and they established their main seat at castle Šteken, which is located between Strakonice and Pisek. In 1689, the family received the incolat (citizenship) of Bohemia, which gave them the status of immediate Bohemian nobility. In 1781, they transferred their chief seat to the city of Tachov (Tachau), west of Pilsen. |
| The older Princely Line |
| The ancestor of this line was Joseph Ludwig (Joseph Ludwig Nikolaus Anton de Paula Johannes Nepomuk Adam Rymond non natus), Count of Windisch-Graetz, Freiherr of Waldstein und Thal (* 1744 Vienna - † 1802 in Šteken, Bohemia). He was the treasurer in service of Archduchess Marie Antoinette, who was married to the French king, and he accompanied her to France. His first consort was Countess Maria Josefa Erdödy de Monyorókerék et Monoszló (* 1748 - † 1777). He had four children from his first marriage. Then, he married the Duchess Leopoldine d'Arenberg (* 1751 - † 1812), who gave birth to six children. The first one died soon. The second brought glory to the family. |
| Prince Alfred Candidus Ferdinand of Windisch Graetz |
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| Prince Alfred of Windisch-Graetz († 1862), the Commander General of Bohemia. |
| In June 1848, following instructions from Vienna, he gave orders to disperse the Slav Congress in Prague. |
| His name was Prince Alfred Candidus Ferdinand, field-marshal and military commander (* Brussels 1787 - † 1862 Vienna). Already in his youth he was interested in military life. In May 1804, the Emperor raised him to the rank of Prince and a princely mantle has been placed behind the coat of arms of the Counts of Windisch-Graetz. |
| In June of the same year, at the age of 17, he was enrolled as lieutenant in the 2nd Uhlan Regiment Schwarzenberg. In the following years he participated in various battles and advanced in rank. In 1814, as elected colonel, he was given the command of the 8th Cuirassier Regiment Great Prince Constantin of Russia. He was awarded a series of orders, among them also the Maria-Theresia Order and the Russian St. George Cross. In 1817, he married Princess Marie Eleonore zu Schwarzenberg (* 1796 - †1848). With her he had seven issues. |
| In 1833, he was promoted to field marshal in Prague, and in 1840, he became the Commanding General in Bohemia. Then, the agitating year of 1848 arrived. Since June 2nd, the Slav Congress (340 delegates) was in session in Prague, which he dispersed with his troops. Soon after, an uprising broke out, shots were fired, some of which struck also the commander's headquarters. Alfred's consort was hit by a bullet and soon died as a result. The rebellion was suppressed. At the end of October, he was appointed Supreme Commander of the Imperial troops stationed east of the Isonzo (Soca). His troops suppressed the revolution in Vienna. In December, his troops intervened in revolutionary Hungary. At the beginning of 1849, they marched into Budapest. But then he suffered from the entanglements with the Ministry of Vienna, and he was removed from command. He remained the supreme commander in title only and withdrew himself to his estates in Bohemia († 1862). |
| In 1825, the field marshal got acquainted with the one-time convent of Kladruby, in the surroundings of Pilsen. A brewery was built on the same site. Kladruby became the new chief seat of the Windisch-Graetz', and the library and archives were transferred from Tachov to the new location. A family vault was built, where the remains of the deceased are laid to rest. |
| Among the field marshal's successors his grandson Alfred August (Alfred August Karl Maria Wolfgang Erwin, * 1851 Prague - † 1927 Tachov) has to be mentioned here. From 1892 to 1895, he was Prime Minister of Austria. - In the second half of the 19th century, members of this line acquired several estates from the Attems in the territory of present-day Slovenia, in the surroundings of Rogatec (Lower Styria), as well as the castle Strmol (Carniola). |
| The younger Princely Line |
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The ruins of the renowed Haasberg (Hošperk) manor close to Planina in the sourroundings of Postojna (Slovenia). Since the 19th century, it was the seat of the Younger Princely (Slovenian) line of the Windisch-Graetz. It was set ablaze on command of the partisans (in sense of Yugoslav directives) |
| The beginner of this line was Alfred's brother Count Weriand Alois (Weriand Alois Leopold Ulrich Johann Paul Eremite, * 1790 Strassburg - † 1876 Haasberg). He was married to Princess Eleonore of Lobkowitz (* 1795 - † 1876). The couple had six children. In 1822, he and his line, too, were elevated to the rank of Princes. This line played a certain role in modern Slovenian history. In 1828, Prince Weriand Alois bought castle Trebnik and the seigniory of Konjice (Gonobitz) in Lower Styria. |
| In 1846, Prince Weriand Alois also bought the beautiful Haasberg manor (Hošperk) near Planina, east of Postojna, which became the seat of his family line. In the middle of the 19th century, he bought the castles Šteberk, Gorenji Lolgatec, Jama, Bogenšperk, Oplotnica, ice, Podcetrtek and Bizeljsko. |
| Weriand's son, Prince Hugo Alfred (Hugo Alfred Adolf Philip, *1823 Vienna - † 1904 Haasberg), was probably the most visible personality of this line. First he was married to Duchess Louise of Mecklenburg-Schwerin (Ludwigslust, 1849), and secondly to Princess Matylda Radziwillowna (Teplice, 1867). Prince Hugo Alfred had four children from his first marriage and three from the second one. In 1912, his first son Hugo Weriand Alfred (Hugo Weriand Alexander Wilhelm Alfred, * 1854 Florence - † 1920 Haasberg) was elected in the provincial parliament of Carniola. |
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Archaeologist Marie Countess of Windisch-Graetz and Duchess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin at Magdalenska gora, the famous finding place in Carniola (Slovenia). |
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The picture was taken before the First World War. |
| Princess Marie of Windisch-Graetz (Marie Gabriele Ernestine Alexandra,* 1856 Vienna - † Ludwigslust 1929) deserves special attention. She was the fourth daughter of Prince Hugo Alfred. In Schwerin, in 1881, she married Duke Paul Friedrich von Mecklenburg-Schwerin (* 1852 - † 1923). Then, her consort converted from Protestantism to Catholicism, and subsequently had to renounce the right of succession for himself and his descendants. Princess and Duchess Marie was an experienced archaeologist and probably has to be considered the beginner of Slovenian archaeology. Her name was well-known in the field of archaeological excavations in Lower Carniola, in the period between 1904 and 1915. Among other projects, she was responsible for the unearthing of Magdalenska gora. |
| The collection of the finds were preserved at castle Bogenšperk, which was her property. After the WW1, the collection was seized and deposited in the National Museum of Lublana. However, it is said, that after Marie's death her daughter Antoinette received permission (from Belgrade) to export the collection. Why? - In 1934, at an auction in New York the precious archaeological collection was sold. (Catalogue: Treasures of Carniola, 1934). Today, most exhibits are kept in the Peabody Museum (University of Harward) in Cambridge, Mass., USA and in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, England. |
| Hugo Alfred's younger brother Ernest Ferdinand Weriand (*1827 Vintirov - † 1918 Vienna) was one of the representatives of Carniola in the Vienna parliament in the period from 1880 to 1885. He commissioned to build a beautiful villa at Lake Bled (the later residence of Alexander, King of Yugoslavia). He was also a collector of archaeological materials, particularly weapons, and he was a numismatist. His son Otto Weriand (Otto Weriand Hugo Ernst, * 1873 Graz - † 1952 Lugano) married Archduchess Elisabeth of Austria (* 1883 - † 1963). |
| This family line, which began with Weriand († 1867), was continued by his third son Hugo Alfred († 1904) and his grandson Hugo Weriand Alfred († 1920). The son of the latter, Prince Hugo Vinzenz (Hugo Vinzenz Alexander Maria, * 1887 Haasberg - † 1959 Trieste), is remembered by the people for mastering the Slovenian language. He experienced the gradual devastation of the family properties in Slovenia (Yugoslavia). After the WW1, the agrarian reform in Yugoslavia reduced the family estates for approximately 8000 ha. The remaining estates were nationalised after 1945. |
| In 1944, in sense of a secret order given by the chief command of the Yugoslav partisans, the beautiful Haasberg manor was set ablaze. Many other Slovenian castles were burnt down as well. This was done under the pretext, that the castles could have served as strongholds for the German occupators. In fact, the very aim was to demolish the Slovenian historical heritage. Therefore, even today, the arsons that caused the destruction of these castles are still concealed by the media. |
| After the WW2, and after the death of Prince Hugo Vinzenz († 1959), the line was continued by his second son Maximilian (Maximilian Antonius Aegidius Hubertus Maria Hugo, * 1914 Donaueschingen - † Rome 1976). He had four issues. His elder son Mariano Hugo (* 1955 Trieste), who in 1990 married Archduchess Sophie of Austria (* 1959), is the present head of the princely house of Windisch-Graetz. Their first son Maximilian Hugo (* 1990 Salzburg), born in the same year, is now the hereditary prince of Windisch-Graetz. |
| * * * |
| As in the case of so many nobles of Slovenian lands, the origin of the Windisch-Graetz family, too, has presented an ideological problem until today. Since the 19th century, the pan-German movement declared Slovenians as a »non-historical« nation. According to its theory, Slovenians never had a proper nobility of their own, but rather were dominated by nobles of German origin. After the WW1, the Yugo-Slav ideology developed an assertion to the statement, that the »German« nobility in Slovenia should have represented a »millenary« German yoke over Slovenians, from which they were saved by their Yugoslav »brethren« not earlier then in 1918. Such standpoint is still maintained in academic institutions of Slovenia. |
| Under such negative conditions the Bavarian origin of Windisch-Graetz becomes an ideological question. There is a possibility. But it is also true, that Berthold Andechs, married to Sophia, was the son-in law of the Margraves of Carniola. Thus, only he and not the entire Andechs family came from Bavaria to Carniola. There are no records to verify whether or not he arrived with a full suite of knights (ministeriales). But the origin of the Windisch-Graetz family is not essential. Their roots reach, nevertheless, into the period of Carantania, which continued in Austria. Regardless of their origin, with the Bohemian incolat they also became Bohemian nobles. They have been present in Slovenian lands since the19th century. Their members collaborated in Slovenian political activities and cultural life. Besides, after the declaration of independence of Slovenia, a Foundation Windisch-Graetz for Slovenia was founded. Their younger princely line has to be recognized as part of the modern Slovenian nobility. |
| Selected bibliography: |
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Davorin Trstenjak: Weriand de Graz, Celovec 1884 | |
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Davorin Trstenjak: Zgodovinske crtice o nekdanji provinciji Windischgraetz /Historical sketches about the one-time Province Windischgraetz/, in Kres, Celovec 1881 | |
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Alfred Anthony von Siegenfeld - Joseph von Zahn: Anmerkungen, Steiermärkisches Wappenbuch 1567 von Zacharias Bartsch, Faksimilausgabe, Graz 1893, p. 159 (Windischgrätz) - The authors allot the possible Bavarian origin by saying: Die Ahnen dieses heute fürstl. Hauses kamen aller Wahrscheinlich nach… zu Anfang des 13. Jahrh. als Ministerialen der Gfn. von Andechs in deren innreösterr. Besitzungen. | |
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Slovenski biografski leksikon IV, knjiga, 14. zvezek /Slovenian biographic lexicon, vol. IV, tome 14/, Lublana 1986, p. 700 (Windischgrätz) - Here, the author, when treating the origin of the Windisch-Graetz, changes the conditional form of their Bavarian origin in an affirmative way by saying: Their family name was put forward after the site of Slovenj gradec, where the Windischgrätz' arrived from Upper Bavaria as ministerials of the Andechs'. | |
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| A family with Carantanian roots, |
| who left an important historical legacy to Austria and Slovenia |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| The Counts of Attems and their lines of descendants were one of the most important families on Slovenian territory during the Middle Ages and the New Age. It is about a family, whose roots go back to the time of early Carantania, although their name derived from the site of Attems in Friuli (today known as Attimis - or Ahten in Slovenian). It is very likely that the ancestor of this family came to Friuli in the suite of Ulric I, Patriarch of Aquileia (1085 - 1121), who was the brother of Henry III (Eppenstein), Duke of Carantania. The first Attems coat of arms corresponds to the Perner family, who were nobles of Carantanian (Styrian) origin. Their coat of arms depicts a bear (Bär), evidently an allegory of the name Perner (Bärner). |
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| The arms of Attems - Orso and those of Attems - Tridente |
| Anyway, there are no written proofs to support their arrival in Friuli. The first member of the family to be mentioned in the historical record in 1106, is Konrad Attems. His castle was standing on a hill above Attimis. The family line, which was continued by his descendants, was called Attems Orso (bear); who had established themselves in Friuli and in the Republic of Venice. Their original arms were as follows: Argent, a bear rampant Sable. This line died out in 1817. In the 2nd part of the 13th century another castle was built near Attimis, from which descended a second family line founded by Henry Montfort, the patron of the clan. At first they were called Attems Tridente (tree teeth), because the name related to their arms: Per fess dancetée, Gules and Argent. This line divided into three branches, that of Cividale († 1835), that of Gruaro († 1678) and that of Udine († 1949). |
| In 1473, Frederic Attems, a member of this line, went to Gorica (Goerz, Gorizia) and became chancellor and notary to Leonhard, the last Count of Goerz. After the death of Count Leonhard († 1500) the county came under the Habsburgs. In 1517, Emperor Maximilian I appointed Frederic Attems Counsellor of State and offered him a position in Graz (Gradec). |
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The arms of Attems - Heiligenkreuz, when this line advanced to imperial counts, in 1630. |
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The shield: 1 and 4 Or, Imperial Eagle |
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2 and 3 Attems, Fess Point: Gules, a front hound Argent bearing a gold-rimmed red collar. |
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(Taken from the crest of the family arms of the 14th century) |
| Under Emperor Maximilian I, Frederic's older son Hieronimus Attems († 1566), was the beginner of a new family line. In Gorica he followed his father's footsteps as chancellor and he was also elected to Lieutenant Governor. As an imperial delegate he was very successful in negotiations with the Republic of Venice (particularly in 1533), which was often in dispute with Maximilian I. - In 1540, Hieronimus Attems donated property for the proposed church on Skalnica mountain (682 m) above Gorica. There, in 1539, St. Mary appeared to the young shepherdess Urška Ferligoj. Today, this mountain is called Sveta gora (Holy Mountain), and is one of the most famous Slovenian pilgrimages. |
| Hieronimus' son Adam James Attems was the lawyer and editor of the Gorica County constitutions. His son Herman Attems (1564 - 1611) purchased the seigniory of Sv. Križ (Heiligenkreuz) in the Vipava Valley from Count Henry Mattia Thurn. Archduke Carl elevated him to the rank of baron. For the family line that he belonged to, he adopted the official name Attems - Heiligenkreuz. He also was appointed to court counsellor of Graz. |
| In 1630, the members of this line advanced to Imperial Counts. In 1646, Frederic John Attems let build a Chapuchin monastery in Sv. Križ, which is still in existence. This monastery was the home of one of the most remarkable, most valued, and most entertaining Slovenian preachers: Janez Svetokriški (Tobia Lionelli). It was he who produced in the 18th century a massive five-volume collection of sermons, called "Sveti prirocnik" (The Holy Handbook), in order to help those colleagues, who were less talented in the fine art of writing sermons. The Attems also renovated the ancient castle of Sv. Križ. Nevertheless, in 1864 the building was abandoned because of high maintenance costs, and the castle started to decay. But still today its enormous walls awaken the reflections of past glory. |
| Another outstanding architectural treasure is the Attems Palace - Heiligenkreuz in Gorica, built by the same family in 1740, which was their residence in the city. Behind the palace there is a beautiful garden, that has been preserved until today. In Gorica, this palace has been selected as a historical monument, which represented the older Attems family line. Today, the palace is the seat of the Municipality of Gorica (Gorizia). From this line seceded the branches of Attems von Tanzenberg (Plešivec), in Carinthia, and Attems von Lucinico (Locnik) west of Gorica. |
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| Graz (Gradec), the magnificent palace of the Attems - Feistritz built in 1705 |
| One of the most important branches of this family, which seceded from that of Heiligenkreuz, has been the Attems - Feistritz line, generally known as the Styrian branch (line). Its founder was Ignaz Maria Count Attems (*1652 Lublana - † 1732 Graz). In 1685, in Graz, his first marriage was to Barronesse Maria Regina Wurmbrand - Stuppach († 1705). In 1715, he married for the second time Countess Maria Kreszenzia Christiana Herberstein († 1735). In 1717, he bought castle Slovenska Bistrica (Windisch Feistritz) in Lower Styria, and from then on the family appears under their new name. Castle Slovenska Bistrica was completely rebuilt and its traditional architectural form has been preserved until today. The compound remained in the family's possession until the end of the WW2. Other castles like Podcetrtek, Dornava, Štatenberg, Gösting… came into their possession through inheritance and marriage. |
| In Graz, in 1705, the Count let build the magnificent Attems Palace. Today, it houses the most important private artistic collection of Styria: paintings, weapons, armaments and tapestry-manufactures. An impressive library with precious pieces is also on display. In 1945, the palais was damaged by a bomb attack. After the WW2, the Yugoslav Communist regime confiscated the Attems estates and the castles in Lower Styria. In need for money, they gradually had to sell their rare collection, and in 1962 they also sold their beautiful palace to the government of Styria. |
| The Attems - Feistritz have been one of the most powerful families of Styria. They become a distinguished family line and were usually called the Styrian line. Among the important members of this line, Ignaz Count Attems (1774 - 1820), the well-deserved governor of Styria, needs to be mentioned. Several other members were also holding important public positions in Styria and abroad. |
| A descendant of this line was Ottokar Maria Attems (*1815 - † 1867), a very religious and pious man, and since 1853 Bishop of Seckau (Graz). Young Jakob Misja (Missia), originally from Slovenske gorice, was in the services of Bishop Attems during his study at the Seminar in Graz. The Bishop was his role model and tutor. He made great impression on young Jakob, who ardently adopted his devotion and aristocratic behaviour. Later, Jakob Missia was appointed Archbishop and Cardinal of Gorica († 1904). He left a great spiritual legacy to the Slovenian Catholic tradition. |
| The Attems - Gilleis |
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| The shield of Attems - Gilleis, |
| which was put as fess point on the Attems - Heiligenkreuz' coat of arms, in 1890. |
| This line descended from Count Christian Anton August Attems - Heligenkreuz (*1759 Gorica - † 1810). At first, this line was one of the branches and sub-branches of the Attems - Heiligenkreuz line. Castle Pohorski dvor (Haus am Bacher) near Maribor was one of the many estates owned by the founder of this family line. A sub-branch of the family has been named after this castle. His older son, Hermann Edward Christian Attems - Heiligenkreuz (* 1800 Gorica - † 1874) married Countess Leopolda Maria Gilleis. She was the heiress of Count Josef Kalasanz of Gilleis, who since 1570 was the owner of castle Sonnberg, found in the Schmida Valley north of Tulln, in Lower Austria. |
| In 1890, the name Attems - Gilleis was officially acknowledged to this branch. In this way, it became a new family line and was continued by the son of the above-mentioned couple, Anton August Hermann Johann Leopold Attems - Gilleis (* 1834 St. Georgen - † 1891 Vienna). The new line is still flourishing today. The family vault is situated in Schrattental, in Lower Austria. |
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The arms of Attems - Petzenstein, as they advanced to Imperial Counts, in 1652. The shield remained the same, to the crest was added the imperial eagle and the front hound with a gold-rimmed red collar. |
| In Gorica, the younger son of Frederic, Ulvinus Wolfgang Attems (1479 - 1571), was the founder of the second line of the Attems'. In 1580, the name Attems - Petzenstein was given to his son Andrew Attems (1527 - 1597), which refers to the village Pec (Petzenstein) south of the city, where the family resided. In 1652, the members of this line were also raised to Imperial Counts. From this line seceded the branch Attems von Podgora near Gorica. |
| In Gorica, in 1754, another beautiful Attems - Petzenstein Palace was erected in Korn (Corno) by Sigismund Attems - Petzenstein († 1758). Today, the Provincial Museum of Gorica has its home in this aristocratic building. The palace is like a monument of this proud family line. Sigismund was also a member of the literary academy called »Arcadi Romano - Sonziaci«. In a manuscript, he bequeathed the history of the Patriarchate of Aquileia and the Archbishopric of Gorica. - Another monumental structure pertaining to this line was the famous Villa in Podgora near Gorica, built in 1748. Regretfully, it was destroyed during the WW1. |
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Portray of Karl Mihael Count Attems (1711 - 1774), Archbishop of Gorica (Gorizia, Görz), from private collection in Lublana. |
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Its personal arms: Quarterly, 1 Patriarch of Aquileia, 2 and 3 Attems, 4 County of Gorica, |
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Fess Point: the royal Eagle bearing the Austrian shield. |
| After the intervention of Empress Maria Theresa with the Pope, the Patriarchate of Aquileia was abolished, in 1751. The reason was, that already for some centuries this church province extended into the territories of Venice and Austria, which made pastoral activity difficult. On the Austrian part of the ex-patriarchate territory, the Archdiocese of Gorica (Gorizia, Görz) was founded. The first appointed Archbishop was Count Karl Michael Attems (* 1711 - † 1774). His father was Count John Francis Atttems, and his mother Countess Elisabeth Coronini - Cronberg. |
| At first, Karl Michael Count Attems was appointed vicar apostolic, then he was named Archbishop of the new archbishopric, in 1752. He fulfilled his position with excellence. The then territory of the newly founded Gorica church province extended to the Drava River in Carinthia and Styria. Only the small Bishopric of Lublana was outside of his administrative domain. At first, the new territory was neglected from the spiritual point of view. But the new Archbishop soon gave it a new shape and function from the organizing and pastoral point of view. In Gorica, he established a print office (1754), a Catholic Seminar (1757), and even a loan bank for people of small means, in order to shield them from usurers. He took care of the poor. The well-known historian Morelli wrote: "Since then Gorica never saw before or after greater acts of charity towards the poor." Pope Benedict XIV was delighted with his work. |
| Besides, he spoke fluently the three languages of the country: Slovenian, Friulian, and Italian. For that period it was rare, that someone was able to write in Slovenian. He had that knowledge. Several of his sketches of Slovenian sermons, that he was holding throughout the country, have been preserved. They represent the then level of linguistic and religious culture of the Slovenian people. One has to admire his Slovenian sermons, like "Na praznik karmelske Matere Božje na Kapeli" /At the Feast of the Karmel Mother of God at Kapela/, or »Na praznik Marijinega imena v Kanalu« /At the Feast of Mary's Name in Kanal/.... It is sad that they have not been published yet in Slovenian literature. - He was interested in ecumenism and was in contact with Count Voroncov, the chancellor at the Russian court. Empress Maria Theresa named him »Prince of the Sacre Roman Empire« (1766). |
| Indeed, in Slovenian spiritual and cultural tradition, Archbishop Karl Michael Count Attems is one of the most deserving personalities. Among the Slovenian nobles, who entered history as respected religious leaders and intellectuals, he deserves the first place. In the same period, another member of this family, Ernest Attems - Petzenstein, was Bishop of Lublana (1743 - 1757). He commissioned the building of the Bishop's Palace in Gornji grad and established the manor in Goricane, not far from Lublana. |
| In modern times, another member of the family, although not as prominent as Archbishop Attems, was Henry Attems – Petzenstein, who played a role in Slovenian culture and language. At the turn of the 20th century, he was Governor of Lublana. In 1901, he went to Gorica as chairman of the district-board. There, he was a regular participant in Slovenian cultural activities. At meetings of the land assembly he addressed the public in the three spoken languages of the country: German, Slovenian and Italian... In 1911 he was appointed Vice-President of the Lieutenancy in Trieste. |
| From the Attems - Petzenstein line descended many important personalities. Among them, Carl August Attems - Petzenstein (* 1868 Graz - † 1952 Vienna) has to be mentioned, who achieved world-wide reputation. Since 1905, he was a member of the permanent staff of the Crustacea, Arachnoidea and Myriapoda collection at the Natural History Museum of Vienna. |
| The Attems family, whose roots can be traced back to the period of Great Carantania (952 - 1180), have accompanied and influenced in an important way the historical development of the Slovenian and Austrian lands through the ages until modern times. Their members were holding important positions in public- in military- and in church life. Their role in Slovenian history has been intentionally overlooked. Evidently, the reason was the pan-Slav and Yugo-Slav ideology, in sense of which the nobility in Slovenia was of German origin. |
| It has been, I must repeat, a revolutionary interpretation of history. In sense of such interpretation, the people must be saved from the historical yoke by the revolution. The "yoke" over Slovenians should have been represented by the "German nobility". From this historical "yoke" Slovenians should have been saved by their Yugoslav "brethren" not earlier as at the end of the WW1. Such was the official interpretation of Slovenian history in the period of Yugoslavia, under the strict control of the Serbian Academy of Belgrade. It is about an ideological lie, and the interpretation has not been reviewed yet since the declaration of independence of Slovenia, in 1991. |
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| The Ungnads |
| The Fate of an Ancient Carantanian Family |
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The ruins of Sonnegg - Zenek or Jovnek castle above Goselna vas (Gößelsdorf), in Carinthia, a painting by Marcus Pernhart, from 1863. On the left of the picture: the family arms of the Ungnads: Gules, a wolf rampant Argent. An earthquake destroyed the castle in 1690. It was not reconstructed by the then owners, the Rosenberg family. |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| They were a Carantanian family of knights, who served the Bishop of Bamberg (Bavaria) on his estates in Carinthia at one time. The Bishop gave castle Waldenstein in the Labot Valley (Lavanttal) in fief to the knights. In the seal of Otto Ungnad from 1280 appears already a wolf, which specified the arms of the family: Gules, a wolf rampant Argent. In 1449, King Frederic IV (later Emperor Frederic III) granted to the Ungnads the arms of the extinct family of Dummersdorf. In 1456 Frederic III granted them also the arms of the Plankenwarts. |
| In the 14th century, iron ore was excavated from the grounds below castle Waldenstein, held in fief by the Ungnads', and therefore assured several incomes to the family. In 1346, one half of castle Wasserleonburg (Cajna) in the Zila Valley was given to Wulfing I Ungnad (Wolfgang) in fief. Some decades later, the whole castle became property of the family. In 1349, the records mention another family member, Wolfart I Ungnad, in Latin charter, as knight (equis), "Wolfhardus Ungnadt Dominus de Weissenwolff". The son of Wolfart I must have been Wolfart II Ungnad (1330 - 1390). After that another Wulfing appears, known as Wulfing II Ungnad (1370 - 1429), seigniory of castle Heunburg (Vovbre) and castellan. Then the records mention an Ungnad as burgrave of Griffen (Grebinj). The relationship between the two of them is not really known. |
| Wulfing II Ungnad was married twice. From the first union, we assume, issued Hans I Ungnad, who in 1442 received in fief castle Jovnek, called later Sonnegg (in German) and Zenek (in Slovenian) in the Juna Valley (Jauntal). It was given to him for services rendered to Frederic V, Duke of Inner Austria, who in 1440 was elected king with the name Frederic IV, and in 1452 emperor with the name Frederic III. Since then the family name received the appellate "von Sonnegg". In 1441, the castle of Wasserleonburg became the seat of the provincial court, which was first under the Ortenburgs and then under the Cillis. |
| In 1402, Wulfing II entered a second marriage with Margaret Dummersdorf, the mistress of Plankenwarth (ca. 1385 - 1448) and ex-wife of Rudolf von Katzenstein. We assume, that from his 2nd union two sons were born, the elder Georg Ungnad and the younger Christoph Ungnad, both in service of Frederic III. Indeed, the sovereign had a difficult situation on his hands. Inside the country he had to defend himself against his younger brother Albert VI and his partisans. On the outside he had to defend the empire against the Turks. |
| Since he could not finance all necessary services, he granted to his supporters privileges and rights. So, in 1461 the two brothers Georg and Christoph had an inn built near the pilgrimage church of Pollanitz (Poljanca) not far from Feldkirchen (Trg), which was the favourite gathering place for a great number of pilgrims. In 1475, in the Carinthian area, Christoph Ungnad was one of the three newly appointed tax collectors for the new defence budget against the attacks of the Turks. The tax was fixed by the Diets of Inner Austria on their assembly in Maribor, in 1475. And so on. |
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Tomb of Christoph Ungnad († 1481) in the church of Dobrla vas (Eberndorf), one of the most beautiful artistic tombstones of Carinthia. Beside him, the picture of the chalice, which Georg Ungnad († 1468) let elaborate for the cathedral of Gospa Sveta (Maria Saal), in 1466. |
| The Ungnads were a pious family, and they also were aware of the ancient Christian tradition of Carantania. As proof they donated a beautiful chalice, the so-called Ungnad-chalice, which Georg Ungnad († 1468) had elaborated for the cathedral of Gospa Sveta (Our Lady), or Maria Saal. The chalice has been preserved until today. Christoph Ungnad († 1481) reposes in the chapel of the church of Dobrla vas (Eberndorf). The chapel served as the family vault. Its beautiful epitaph there has been preserved until today. |
| In the same chapel was also Christoph Ungnad († 1481) buried. He reposes in a tomb, which pertains to the most beautiful artistic monuments of Carinthia. He was born in 1425, grew up, and late in life, in 1462, he married Anna of Frauenberg zum Haag (ca. 1440 - after 1482). In 1451, he ranked in the Upper Austrian nobility. In 1463, he appears as Imperial and hereditary standard-bearer (Panierherr) and Imperial councillor, captain of Celje (Cilli), seignior at Sonnegg, Wasserleonburg, Gradenegg, Plankenwart, and Wiederdriss. |
| Christoph's son, Hans II Ungnad (1473 - ca. 1520), received in 1493 He was born in 1425, grew up, and in 1462 he married Anna of Frauenberg zum Haag (ca. 1440 - after 1482). his father's fiefs from Emperor Frederic III. He was already married with Margaret Lochner († after 1531). We don't know much about his life. It was also the time, when the Turks with their incursions made life very difficulty in Slovenian countries and in Carinthia. |
| It may be that the following story in this respect survived with tradition in Dobrla vas (Eberndorf), and concerns only him. - It is said, that Vuhnar (Ungnad) at Sonnegg had a dog, which went to fetch him all necessities from Velikovec (Völkermarkt. They story talks about a tunnel, which connected the castle with Velikovec. One time the Turks ran wild through the Juna Valley and stopped in the field below the castle to prepare a meal. While they were eating, Vuhnar shot from the castle into the crowd and made them all "undersized". In this way, the villagers were saved from the enemy. |
| Hans III Ungnad |
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| Baron Hans III Ungnad von Sonnegg († 1564), picture in Annales Ferdinandei (ca. 1726). Beside him the arms, since he was advanced to the rank of baron in 1522 with the epithet "von Weissenwolf": Quarterly: 1 Ungnad, 4 Plankenwart (Gules, two or collared and erected dogs Azure, with backs one toward the other, and with interwoven tails), 2 and 3 Dummersdorf (Or, a castle wall Azure), with corresponding crests. |
| Hans II's son, Hans III Ungnad (1493 - 1564), was the most famous personality in the family's history. His name found a place also in the general Austrian and Slovenian historiography. He was the owner of Waldenstein, Sonnegg, Friedrichstein (Kocevje) and other castles. In 1522, by permission of Emperor Carl V, he was elevated to the rank of baron (Freiherr) of Sonnegg with the epithet "von Weissenwolf", referring to the ancient arms of the family. |
| Already in 1519, he represented the Carinthian States at Carl V's court in Spain. In 1521, he signed with Kaspar Herbst, the stepfather of Anna Thurn, a marriage contract, which established 1525 as the year of the matrimony. Anna's father was Georg Thurn (* ca. 1460, 1st mentioned in1480) originated from Friuli, where his ancestors found refuge from the Lombardian Viscontis. He was the first member of his family to make a career at the Austrian court under Maximilian I, as military commander in the Netherlands, imperial chamberlain and councillor (1490). Maximilian I sent him on ambassadorial missions to Russia and Sweden. In 1491, Maximilian I rewarded Georg Thurn for his services with several castles in Croatia, but they were occupied by Turks. As compensation he received the fief of Krško (Gurkfeld) in Carniola. In 1507, he was invested with the lordship and city of Kocevje (Gottschee) together with the castle of Friedrichstein. |
| In 1506, Georg Thurn gave his hand in marriage to Elena Frangepàn (*ca. 1485). In 1509, he was bestowed with the castle Samobor in Croatia (west of Zagreb), very possible as financial amends for his wife's downry. Samobor belonged to his wife's uncle Nicolaus, Count Frangepàn, who was one of the guarantors of the marriage contract. In Samobor, in 1512, Georg Thurn was shot to death by his peasant vassals during an uprising, and he was buried there. An epitaph has been dedicated in memory of his death. In 1514, his widow married Kaspar Herbst († ca. 1523), the seigniory of Loz (Laas) and vicedom of Celje. |
| In 1524, Hans III Ungnad became captain of Celje, and in 1530 governor (Hauptmann) of Styria. Subsequently he held a number of high offices at the court of King Ferdinand I (Carl V's brother), in Austria. In 1534, he became chief commander of the Croatian and Vendic (Windisch, Slavonian) frontiers. Meaning, he was the commander of the military marches in Croatia and Slavonia (Windischland), which were established to protect Austria and Hungary from the Turks stationed in the neighbouring Bosnia. |
| Because of the tremendous situation within the Catholic Church, the pious Hans III converted to Protestantism, and he became the political leader of the Protestants in Inner Austria (Carantania). However, conflicts of interest developed between him and his Catholic sovereign, King Ferdinand I, and in 1556 he was constrained to resign from office. He divided his hereditary estates between his two oldest sons, and went into exile with his wife and younger children. He took refuge in Württemberg, where he could worship freely his Protestant faith. In 1602, the Vngnadische Chronika was printed in Leipzig, which he wrote as a kind of justification for his resignation from the high ranking position as Styrian governor. |
| Duke Christoph of Württemberg gave him at his disposal the empty Carthusian monastery (Mönchshof) in Urach near Stuttgart. There, Hans III Ungnad devoted the remainder of his life to translate the New Testament into Croatian language and put his works into print. Even in his new home he remained a leading example with his activities. The Slovenian Protestant pastor Primoz Trubar was complete taken over by him and transferred with his family from Kempten to Urach. Trubar had already translated a number of books into Slovenian, among them "Ta Evangeli Suetiga Mateusha" (The Gospel of St. Matthew). The Istrian priest, Stephan Consul, translated Trubar's Slovenian books into Croatian language, which were printed in Glagolitic and Cyrilic script. In a few years over 30 Croation books were printed. |
| The last Ungnads |
| An accurate Ungnad family genealogy has not been published yet. In the documents appear the names of some family members, whose life is still unknown, in particular those of the female line. For example, in 1533, Hans Ungnad III presented his son Ludwig Ungnad with the commendatory abbot post of the Cistercian Abbey Rein (Runa) near Graz, even though he was not a priest, nor did he enter the Cistercian order. But Ludwig managed the abbey estates badly, and in 1549 he was constrained to resign by the order of King Ferdinand I. Then, he married Anna Neumann. - In 1587, the records mention a certain Ehrenreich Ungnad, who offered a post to pastor Michale Christalnick... and so on. |
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Carl Ungnad von Sonnegg († 1598), son of Hans Ungnad III, relief on the outside wall of the castle in Völkermarkt - Velikovec. He was sent to the Emperor in Prague, in 1595, as to attain the religious privileges for the Protestant Carinthian States. |
| After Hans III Ungnad left for Germany, his sons Carl and Simon remained as family leaders in Carinthia. The first one, Carl Ungnad († 1598), being a Protestant, was particularly interested in the struggles that the Carinthian States (nobility) had to endure in their fight for free and public performance of the Protestant liturgy etc. In 1595, they even sent him on a secret mission to the court of Emperor Rudolf II in Prague. There, he remained until 1596, and tried to achieve recognition of rights for the Carinthian nobility. But all his efforts were in vain. Today, his epitaph has been immured in the tower of the castle in Völkermarkt (Velikovec). |
| The last male member of the Carinthian line was Simon Ungnad Freiherr von Sonnegg (* c.1530 † 1607), son of Johann Ungnad and Anna vonThurn-Friedrichstein. He was married to Katharina von Plesse. Their daughter Anna Maria Ungnad von Weissenwolff (*29.9.1573 - †1606) was married to Christoph zu Leiningen-Westerburg. Simon Ungnad, too, was a zealous Protestant and felt himself menaced by the local Bishop Spaur of Krka (Gurk), the promoter of the Counter-Reform. Therefore, he left Carinthia for Bohemia, where he, in 1588, bought some estates. Then, he became ducal chamberlain of Saxony. With his death the chief line of the family was extinct. |
| In 1636, the legacy of the Ungnads was left to Simon's grand-daughter Margareta Elisabeth zu Leiningen-Westerburg (*4.6.1603/30.6.1604 - † 13.8.1667). Then, the properties were bequeathed to her daughter, Katharina Gertrude Ungnad Freiin von Weissenwolf, the landgravire of Hessen. She died on March 12, 1728, and was burried at Spangenberg in Hessen, Germany. She was the consort of Georg Anton Felix Count of Arco, born in 1654 in Arco. On January 8, 1709, he died through drowning at the age of 55 near Melsungen in Germany. His burial place is Spangenberg in Hessen, Germany. The couple had three sons: Karl III. von Arco, Georg Philipp III. von Arco and Wilhelm II. von Arco. Gertrud sold the inherited properties. Waldenburg was bought by the cathedral chapter of Bamberg, and Sonnegg became the property of Johann Andreas Rosenberg, and so on. |
| Another line of the family was David Ungnad († 1600). He was rector (1557) at the University of Wittenberg (south-west of Berlin, Saxony). He even was chairman of the war council at Emperor Rudolf II's court. Emperor Rudolf II was more tolerant towards Protestants, like his younger brother Archduke Carl, the sovereign of Inner Austria (Carantania). David Ungnad was commissioned more then once to carry out the charges of the Habsburg legate at the Turkish court in Istanbul. Obviously, this role was given to him because of his Slovenian language, which was similar to Serbian, and was spoken also at the Turkish court. |
| David's son, Andreas Ungnad († 1623), was deputy in the council of Upper Austria. After the extinction of the Carinthian line, he signed a marriage contract with the Ungnads' heirs in Carinthia, i.e., with Count Leiningen-Westerburg, Simon's son-in-law, respectively Simon's grand-daughter, the landgravire of Hessen. |
| He was a convinced Protestant, but somewhat romantic. The same Luther, after conversating for an hour with him, said: "Ist ein feiner Herr, aber unsere Lehre liegt in seinem Geist, gleichsam, als ich mit einem Träumenden spräche" (Is a fine gentleman, but our doctrine lies in his spirit, just as if I would be talking to a dreamer). Anyway, in 1620 he rebelled against the new Emperor Ferdinand II. As a consequence he had to go into exile in Bohemia and lost all his estates. |
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Castle Sonnegg, drawing from Valvasor's "Das Herzogthum Kärnten" (1688). The famous castle pertained since 1639 to the Rosenberg family, the arms of which are found in the upper left hand corner. |
| In 1623, the legacy of the Ungnads was acknowledged to Simon's grand-daughter, the landgravire of Hessen. Then, she sold the inherited properties. Waldenburg was bought by the cathedral chapter of Bamberg, and Sonnegg became the property of Johann Andreas Rosenberg, and so on. |
| The Upper Austrian line of the Ungnads continued to flourish, after one of Andreas Ungnad's sons converted to the Catholic faith. The Habsburgs received him with open arms, and in 1645 he became chairman of the court chamber. In the following year he advanced to the rank of the count. From this line, Count Nicolaus Ungnad of Weissenwolf (* 1763), son of Count Gundobald Ungnad of Weissenwolf, made a great military career. After he proved himself as a courageous fighter in the battles against the Turks and then against the revolutionary French, he achieved the rank of field-marshal lieutenant. He died in 1825. - The Upper Austrian line of the Ungnads died out in 1917. |
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| Counts and Princes of Turjak - Auersperg |
| A famous Noble Family that played an important role in Slovenian History |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli, FAS, KdB, FSAI |
| Fellow of the Augustan Society |
| Knight de Bryan |
| Fellow of Sodality of the Ark International |
| The castle of Turjak (pronounce: touryàc) is to be found south-east of Ljubljana, and as the name says, it was the seat of the Nobles of Turjak, or Turjaški in Slovenian, Auersperg in German, until the end of the WW2. The roots of this family go back to the 11th century, when the Grand Duchy of Carantania (Inner Austria, Slovenia) still flourished, and Carniola was a March of this duchy. The Turjaški (Auersperg) were looked upon as the most important noble family in the lower part of the March, whereas in the upper part this role pertained to the Lambergs. |
| The German name "Auersperg" was wrongly translated from the original Turjak, which in reality means a "steep hill". The root of this word is still pre-Indo-European, and appears as tura (mountain) in several forms like Taurus, Tauern/Ture, Tauromenim (Taormina)... in several parts of the Mediterranean area. However, the author did not research the proper translation of the word Turjak, when he wrote his studies in German and Latin. He assumed that the name Turjak derives from "tur" (aurochs, in Slovenian), and incorrectly translated it into Auersperg, i.e., a hill where aurochses are to be found. |
| The error was evident, but the German form Auersperg reflected a power, which was associated with that of the aurochs. At that time, many nobles adopted several animal symbols in their coat of arms, and the image of an aurochs presented an outstanding sign, which combined the supposed significance of the family name as well as the symbol of power. So, the image of the aurochs became the distinctive sign of the family shield (coat of arms). |
| In the Austrian Monarchy of the 19th century, when the national, or better said, the linguistic awakening of Slovenians began, noble families did not join their national movement. Because the Slovenian movement was misrepresented as an outpost of the pan-Slav (Russian) and south-Slav (Serbian) ideology, the nobility remained bound to Austria's (Carantania's) political tradition, albeit the fact, that at that time prevailing measures of Germanization took place. |
| After the collapse of the Austrian Monarchy at the end of WW1, Slovenians entered the Southern Slav kingdom (Yugoslavia), which was under the supremacy of the Serbian lobby in Belgrade. At that time, Slovenian brains were infiltrated to adopt the hypothesis that only their Serbian "brethren" saved them from the "millenarian" German yoke, which included the "German" nobility of the former Austrian Monarchy. It was denied to Slovenians to mention a Slovenian historical state, or Slovenian princes and nobility, whereas other nations under the new Yugoslav umbrella boasted their proper rulers: Croats with their Kings Trpimir, Zvonimir... Serbs with their Tsar Dušan, and even Macedonians with their Tsar Samuel, and so on. Only Slovenian people were prohibited to glorify their nobility, because they were taught, that their fine history apparently suffocated under the "German" Habsburgs!? |
| As we already quoted, after WW1 only the Counts and Princes of Celje were declared to be the unique noble family of "Slovenian" origin. Thus, because they were related with Kotromanici in Bosnia and with Brankovici in Serbia, and therefore they were recognized as the predecessors of a Yugoslav political formation. In fact, the Nobel families in Slovenia were indigenous in prevailing number. And the one of Turjak (Auersprerg) was the most famous of them all. Not only in Slovenia, but also in the Middle Europe. |
| The Family |
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The oldest seal of the Turjaški (Auersperg) family, from 1220. It bears the inscription: † ENGELBER UON OWERSBERCH and is imprinted in natural wax. |
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| The family coat of arms of 1521. Quarterly, 1 and 4 Turjak (Auersperg), 2 and 3 Šumperk (Schönberg). |
| From the descendants of Herward († 1304) origins the Line on Šumperk (Auersperg auf Schönberg), beginning with Volkard († 1451). Before him dwelt a family of ancient counts in the castle of Šumperk, and the Turjaški were their heirs. From this line comes the famous Adreas Turjaški († 1594), the emperor's and military councillor, in Croatia the military commander of the Turkish Bosnian border, from which the Turks made raids into Slovenia, since 1396. Andreas Turjaški distinguished himself in numerous battles with the Turks, and was known by the appellatives "Christian Achilles" and "Horror of Turks". Under his commando the Turks were finally defeated near Sisek in Croatia, in 1593 (cf. Korenine Part II, article The Battle of Sisek). Since then, their raids into Slovenia were stopped. - The line on Šumperk became extinct with Wolfgang William Sigmund († 1604). |
| The line Line on Turjak (zu Auersperg) was continued by Engelhard († 1466), the younger one of Herward's sons. He was blessed with nine children, of whom six of them were sons. Since 1463 he bore the title of Hereditary Marshal and Treasurer of Carniola and the Slovenian March (today: Kranjska and Bela krajina). Besides that, Engelhard was also the forefather of two new chieflines of the family. |
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| The arms of the Counts of Auersperg, the Volkard chief line (Lower Austria). The crests are different, but the shields are the same as the original arms of the Pankraz chief line, except the fess points. There, the St. Leonhard branche (now extinct) gets the shield of Schärffenberg. The other four branches: Altschloß Purgstall, Neuschloß Purgstall, zu Winern and zu Waasen get the shield of Sezima von Usti. |
| The elder chiefline of Turjak was called the Line of Pankraz, because its beginner was Pankraz Turjaški († 1496), Engelhard's first son, and their seat was the castle of Turjak (Auersperg). The younger chiefline was called the Line of Volkard, because its beginner was Volkard († 1508), Engelhard's third son, and their seat was the castle of Purgstall in Lower Austria (near Ybbs). In 1573, the branches of the younger chief line were bestowed with the title of Earls and, in 1673, with the title of the Counts. |
| In due course, both chief lines divided into numerous branches, which spread over many lands of the one-time monarchy. For this reason, we followed only the development of the chiefline at the maternal castle of Turjak in Carniola, which was closely interwoven with Slovenian history. |
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| Herward Turjaški († 1575), governor of Carniola, and great hero in the battles against the Turks. |
| Another great person was born into this family line, another Herward Turjaški (* 1528), who became chief commander of the Croatian, Slavonian and Vindian part of the border zones with Turkish Bosnia. In 1550, the earl title (baron in Slovenian, Freiherr in German) was bestowed on him. However, in 1575, when he and his 1000 warriors expected the arrival of the Christian army in the fortress of Budacki in Croatia, Ferhad-pasha from Bosnia invaded the fortress with 12,000 men. The clash was devastating; Herward Turjaški and a great number of excellent Carniolan nobles fell in the fight. |
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The arms of Counts Turjaški (Auersperg) of 1630. Quarterluy, 1 and 4 Turjak (Auersperg), 2 and 3 Šumperk (Schönberg) supplemented with an eagle. In the fess point Kocevje (Gottschee). |
| The title of Counts (of the Empire) was given to the family in 1630, together with the predicate "Wohlgeboren" (Your Worship), "blagorodje" in Slovenian. In 1641, they acquired the county of Kocevje (Gottschee), in Carniola (Slovenia). In 1653, they became Princes (of the Empire) and received the predicate "Hochgeboren" (Esquire), "visokorodje" in Slovenian. At the same time they were bestowed with the district of Münsterberg and Frankenstein (which did bear the title "dukedom"), south of Wroclaw in Silesia (today: Ziebice and Zabkowice, Poland). |
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The arms of Princes Turjaški (Auersperg) of 1653. The former shield is supplanted on the top by the arms of Münsterberg (left) and of Frankenstein (rights). |
| When in 1791, the territory of this dukedom was incorporated into Prussia the title of the dukes became extinct. As compensation, their county of Kocevje was promoted to a dukedom. In 1825, they also received the predicate "Durchlaucht" (Highness), "svetlost" in Slovenian. |
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Countess Cecilija Turjaška Auersperg (1810 - 1866) in a painting of Joseph Tominz (1790 - 1866), the most important biedermeier painter of that period. |
| Among the members of this family, who achieved important positions in political careers of the one-time monarchy, is to be mentioned Minister John Weichart Prince Auersperg Duke of Münsterberg and Frankenstein (1615 - 1677), and two Austrian Premiers, Carlos Prince Auersperg Duke of Gottschee (1814 - 1890) and Adolf Prince Auersperg Duke of Gottschee (1821 - 1885). |
| Until the WW1, the Turjaški (Auersperg) were the most important noble family in Slovenian lands of the on-time monarchy. After the war they lost the role that they played in the country's political life, now under the new constituted Yugoslavia, but they kept their castles and a large part of their properties. |
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Castle Turjak (Auersperg) in Carniola (Slovenia), partially restored. It was set ablaze by partisans in 1943. The family shield: Gules, a bull passant Or. |
| To stop the communist revolution and its crimes, a formation of Slovenian men, who called themselves "domobranci" (defenders of the home) joined together under the protection of Italy. But in 1943 Italy capitulated and its army was dismantled. Finding themselves in a dangerous situation, a group of the "domobranci" found refuge in the castle of Turjak. The partisans soon beleaguered them, and the "domobranci" were forced to surrender, when the patisans set the castle ablaze. The proud Turjak (Auersperg) became a ruin. |
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| Counts and Princes of Lamberg |
| One of the most famous families of Carniola |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli |
| In Upper Carniola, not far from the old town of Radovljica, in the proximity of the village of Lipnica one can find the ruins of an ancient castle called Pusti grad (Bleak Castle), which in general is more familiar to the public by its German name Wallenberg (Waldenberg). It was the ancestral castle of the famous family of Lamberg. |
| Like many other castles in Slovenia and elsewhere, Pusti grad also has its own peculiar story, which in short is as follows. - The lord of the castle was very attached to his wife, but she could not outweigh his passion. He went frequently on hunting trips, but always returned the following day. Once a tempest surprised him in the woods, and he found refuge in a bondman's cottage. The latter had a very nice daughter, and the lord fell in love with her. When his wife came to know about his love affair, she tempted to conquer her husband anew, but without success. In the meantime the lord's sweetheart bore a child. The lady, feeling neglected and lonely, consulted a gypsy-woman; taking her advice she went and killed the child. When this came to the lord's ears, he went into an outburst of fury. He imprecated upon his wife to change into a serpent. Then, he set the castle ablaze, mounted a horse and rode toward the Sava River, where he disappeared in the waves. In the brambles surrounding the ruins, the serpent still can be seen today. The one who can save it from the malediction, will be granted access to the treasures kept in iron trunks below the ruins. |
| The roots of the Lamberg family has its origin in the castle of Rittersberg located in the Zila (Gail) Valley, in Carinthia. Ernest Rittersberg did still bear this name, whose seal from 1278 includes also the epithet "de Veldis" (of Bled). It also depicts a shield, the later family arms, which colours were afterwards known as follows: per Pale, barry of 4 Azure and Argent, and Gules. In this way, there appeared in the first half of the shield two azure fesses, which are a sign of free vassals or knights (in sense of the judicial book called Sachsenspiegel, ca. 1275). In fact, the Rittersbergs were the vassals of the Counts of Ortenburg (near Spittal in Carinthia). |
| However, the shield on the seal of Ernest Rittersberg "de Veldis" still bears three fesses in its first half, and the same applies to his relative Ulrich Gesheht from Wallenberg, in 1312. The meaning of this is that they were unfree. On the other side, their relatives, brothers Wulfing of Gorje and Mechelin of Zasip (in the surrounding of Bled) were free vassals; the seal of the first depicts one fess in the first half, the seal of the second depicts two fesses. |
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| The arms of Lamberg: per Pale, barry of Azure and Argent, and Gules. - The arms of Podvin (Podwein): Or, a setter rampant Sable. |
| William Lamberg from Zasip, the castellan of Pusti grad or Wallenberg, was also a free vassal. The shield on its seal from 1372 depicts in the first half a fess, the second is empty (i.e. the arms are one-coloured). He was married to Dietmut of Podvin (Podwein), the castle of that name is to be found south-east of Radovljica. After her father's death († 1395), she became the heiress of the family properties and inherited also the family's coat of arms: Or, a setter rampant Sable. They were associated with those of her husband. In 1494, by permission of Maximilian I, both arms were joined in one shield: Quarterly, 1 & 4 Lamberg, 2 & 3 Podvin (Podwein). |
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| The shield of the Lambergs, in which since 1494 appear unified the family arms of Lamberg and those of Podvin. The image origins from one of the editions of Bartsch's Steierisches Wappenbuch (Graz, 1567), which was later coloured. Now it is kept in a private library in Graz. - Very remarquable is the Crest above the Lamberg's arms - horns decorated with peacock feathers (Hörner besteckt mit Pfaufedern). It is the ancient Carantanian Crest, which is mentioned for the first time by Jans Enenkel, in 1246. |
| Throughout this century, the family possessed quite a number of castles in Carniola: Kamen near Begunje, Gutenberg near Trzic, Boštanj near Sevnica, Sneznik near Loz, and Ortnek near Ribnica. Its most famous family member of the century was undoubtedly Held Caspar Lamberg. The talk about him is, that he was the winner in 85 tourneys. In the war between the Counts of Cilli (Celje) and the Habsburgs (1436 - 1443), he fought on the side of the Habsburgs against the Bohemian army leader, Vitovec, who was in service of the Cillis. Because of his Bohemian origin, Vitovec was called in Slovenian dialectal form "Pegam" (Bohemian). A folk song called "Pegam in Lambergar" praises the fight between them, in which Lambergar (Held Caspar Lamberg) is the winner. |
| In the following century, in 1544, the Lambergs were bestowed with the title "Barons of the Empire" (Reichsfreiherren) with the epithet "von Ortenegg und Ottenstein". Their family branches, at that time, were already settled in other countries, where they gradually received "citizenship": in 1524 the "Herrenstand" of Lower Austria and in 1586 also of Upper Austria, in 1602 the Inkolat of Bohemia. In 1652, they obtained the title of "Erblandstallmeisters" (hereditary masters of the horses) of Carniola and of the Vendic March (today: Bela krajina). Indeed, it was a title without authority, an ancient tradition of the services that were practised at the royal and ducal courts. But the title itself represented great prestige. |
| The three sons of Baron Siegmund of Lamberg (1537 - 1619) established three family lines. The first line was founded by Raimund of Lamberg (1562 - 1618), and the third line was founded by John Albert († 1650). These two lines received the rank of "Counts of the Empire", in 1667. The third line was called after the castle Boštanj (Sauenstein) near Sevnica. In 1641, they inherited the arms of the family Kranichsberg in Bavaria (Gulles, a crane Argent), which was put on the family shield as fess point (escutcheon). |
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The arms of the family De la Scala and those of the family Kranichsberg. Each one of them was put as fess point or escutcheon on the arms of diverse family lines of the Lambergs. |
| The second line, founded by Georg Siegmund of Lamberg (1568 - 1632), received the rank of "Counts of the Empire" already in 1636, and in 1653 the predicate "Hoch- und Wohlgeboren" (High-born and Esq.). In 1707 they became Princes of the Empire (Reichsfürsten). In 1862 this title became extinct. - Around 1580, when the family De la Scala (von der Leiter) in Bavaria was extinct, this second line inherited their patrimony and arms (Gules, a ladder Argent and two black-spotted dogs with collars Or, rampant), which was put as a fess point (escutcheon) on their family shield. |
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Baron John Jacobus Lamberg, Bishop of Gurk (Krka) in Carinthia (1603 - 1630). He was extremely hard and severe "austerrimus et rigidissimus", in religious matters, which earned him respect and esteem at court. |
| (Er war äußerst hart und streng, "austerrimus et rigidissimus", in Religionssachen, was ihm besondere Wertschätzung bei Hof einbrachte.) |
| The family of Lamberg produced also many important personalities that held important positions in the monarchy. In Bavaria, two of the family members were bishops of the ancient See of Passau. Count Paul Philip of Lamberg (* 1651) was one of the bishops there in the period from 1673 to 1723, and his nephew Count Joseph Dominicus of Lamberg (* 1780) was his immediate successor from 1723 to 1762. Both of them were Cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church. |
| During the time of the revolution from 1848, Count Francis Philip of Lamberg (1791 - 1848) was provisional Palatine of Hungary, and became a victim of the revolution. |
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| The most eminent family of Carinthia (Koroška) |
| And the castle of Ostrovica (Osterwitz) |
| Dr. Jožko Šavli, FAS, KdB, FSAI |
| Family Khevenhüller - first mentioned in the records in 1396 - were very influential townspeople of Villach (Beljak) in Carinthia. At that time they must have belonged to the gentry already, because they were bestowed with their coat of arms by King Wenceslas (-1376 - 1400), as confirmed in a letter issued between 1419 and 1433. |
| In 1427, the family obtained castle Aichelberg in fief, which was located on a hill above the southern side of Lake Osoje/Ossiach. In later years, the descendants of the family purchased the property. Since the name of the castle contains the word Aichel, meaning "acorn", which also decorates the shield of the Khevenhüllers between two oak leaves, some writers believe that the family adopted the arms from the previous owners of Aichelberg. Nevertheless, on the other hand the word "khevenhüller" could be German dialect for acorn. |
| It was in the 16th century, when Khevenhüllers started to become important in public life. Since 1537, Christopher Khevenhüller († 1557) was the Minister of War at the court of King Ferdinand I. Following this, he ascended to Governor of Carinthia, in 1541. Since 1565 the family bore the title "hereditary master of horses of Carinthia". King and Emperor, Maximilian II, conferred to Georg Khevenhüller and his brothers the title of State Earls (Reichsfreiherren), in 1566. On this occasion several arms of their domains, which once pertained to previous owners, were awarded to the Khevenhüllers, namely those of Aufensteins, Mannsdorfs, Kellerbergs, Weißbriach; with them they enriched the arms of their own shield. In 1541, the castle Ostrovica (Osterwitz, in German) was given to Christoph Khevenhüller in fief by the king. It is a famous castle, which played a very important role in the history of Carantania - Carinthia, and therefore deserves a special description. |
| The Castle of Ostrovica |
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The fortress Ostrovica (Hochosterwitz) in Carinthia, which is located north of Klagenfurt/Celovec. On the left, the arms of the first owner Schenk von Osterwitz (above) and that of the Khevenhüllers (below). |
| Since the Roman period, and maybe even before, the castle was the central fortress of the country. An inscription, reading BELINO SACR, has been preserved from that time, which testifies that once Belin, the deity of the light and the sun, was worshiped here, pertaining to the ancient people of Carni, who colonized this territory in the Roman period. They are the predecessors of the later Carantanians (Slovenians), who almost a century after the decline of the Roman Empire, when the dependence of the Ostrogoths in Italy was over, founded their independent state called Carantania. It has been mentioned in the records for the first time in 595 AD (Paulus Diaconus). |
| The castle Ostrovica itself has been documented for the first time in a royal deed from 860, when certain farmsteads "ad Astaruizza" (in dialectal form), i.e., near Ostrovica were donated to the Bishopric of Salzburg. Soon after the Second House of the Dynasty of Carantania (Spanheim) came into power, in 1122, a certain Ceizolf von Spanheim was the owner of Ostrovica, ca. 1130. He was the nephew of Duke Engelbert I (Spanheim), and was the beginner of the Ostrovica or Osterwitz lineage, that survived until the 15th century. |
| The House of Khevenhüller bore the Carantanian colours on the arms of their shield: Sable (black), and a chevron Argent (silver or white). The chevron was the Carantanian sign of a burgrave, who was also the military commander of a city. Duke Bernard of Carantania (1202 - 1256), who introduced the court offices, appointed the master of Ostrovica to his cupbearer (dapifer, Schenk). Since then, the head of this family was called Schenk von Osterwitz. He and his family were free citizens. But the pride to be a free person had also its disadvantages, as it happened in 1362, when Schenk von Osterwitz had to donate his properties to the Duke, he became a ducal liegeman, because at the same time they were given back to him in fief. |
| However, an unfavourable fate continued to hang over the family. In the following century the Turks began to menace Carinthia. The war preparations put a heavy burden on the country, and economic as well as social pressures dwelt upon the nation. In 1473 the Turks beleaguered the boundary, and Wilhelm Schenk von Osterwitz was entrusted to call upon the army and the people to defend their country. Nevertheless, the Turks invaded the land, they plundered and burned wherever they touched soil, and even captured Georg Schenk von Osterwitz, Wilhelm's brother. The poor man died in a Turkish prison, in 1476. |
| The last member of the family was Hans Schenk von Osterwitz, Wilhelm's son. However, at that time the accumulated debts of the family became unsupportable. Therefore, he was constrained to cede all properties to the Emperor, who was the sovereign of the country, in 1478. The castle Liebenfels near St. Veit was conceded to him as a residence, where he died soon after. |
| The castle Ostrovica was reverted to the King, who in the following years had several families and nobles take possession of it as a fief. Among them were, since 1509, Matthäus Lang, the Councilor of Emperor Maximilian I, Bishop of Gurk/Krka, then Archbishop of Salzburg (1519 - 1540), Cardinal and Chancellor. The Khevenhüllers received the castle in fief in 1541. |
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| The Slovenian Feudal Oath (found in the Juramentenbuch, kept in the Provincial Archive of Styria in Graz). It bears the German title "Windische oder Kroatische Lehenspflicht" (Slovenian or Croatian fealty). Why also Croatian? It is a matter of the former variant of the Croatian language, called Kajkavic, which was nearly identical with Slovenian. Thus, the oath formula was in use also for liegemen who had received their fiefs on Croatian territory. Today the Croatian language is based on the Štokavic variant, which is close to Serbian. - The charter, that contains the Slovenian Feudal Oath, confirms that the Slovenian nobility swore the oath also in Slovenian language. This evidence in itself contradicts the current theories of the pan-Slav and yugo-Slav ideology, which propagates that the nobility in Slovenia was of German origin and spoke only German. In this way it shows the history of Slovenians under the supposedly German yoke, from which it was saved by their Serbian brethren not earlier then in 1918. |
| The Khevenhüllers |
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| From the Khevenhüller album. |
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On the left: Below, the death shield of Christoph Khevenhüller († 1557); | |
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Above, Barbara Seenuß (Senuš) nee Khevenhüler, dressed in French fashion towards the end of the 16th century. | |
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On the left: Franz III Khevenhüller (1598 - 1635) dressed in Netherlandish fashion (from the Khevenhüller-Chronik). | |
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In that period, the garment represented also the status symbol. The town people, for example, were not allowed to wear the same clothes as the nobility. | |
| There was Christoph Khevenhüller, the new vassal of Ostrovica, followed by his son Johann Khevenhüller. However, when Johann was nominated as the Emperor's ambassador at the court of Philip II, the Spanish King, he had to move to foreign countries, where his activities were needed. Now the fief of the castle passed on to his cousin Georg Khevenhüller. |
| In 1571, Georg Khevenhüller bought the mighty castle of Ostrovica (Osterwitz, in German) from Archduke Carl, the ruler of Inner Austria (Carantania). In addition, the family acquired from the Dietrichsteins the domain Paternion, which registered a large number of vassals; this clever business transaction made them the richest noble family in all Carinthia. |
| Georg Khevenhüller was also the Governor of Carinthia. He let reconstruct Ostrovica into an unconquerable fortress. Fourteen fortified gates were erected on the road that led to the top of the hill. A large arsenal was built at the castle. The first gate is called "Fähnrichtor" (the gate of colour bearers), because both sides of the gate depict two ensigns, one with the Khevenhüller flag and the other with that of Carinthia. |
| The fortress was meant to resist a possible invasion by the Turks. However, Georg Khevenhüller took precautions to prevent a raid by moving his troops of 12,000 men to Croatia, close to the frontier of Turkish Bosnia, in 1578. |
| Until his death, in 1587, Georg Khevenhüller remained the Governor of Carinthia. He was also Chief Master of Horses at the country court, further, Privy Councillor of Emperors Ferdinand I, Maximilan II and Rudolph II, and also Chief Treasurer and Chief Controller at the court of Archduke Carl. He is buried in the City Parish church of Villach (Beljak). |
| Georg Khevenhüller was an ardent Protestant. He wanted to be surrounded by his own pastor, who was Gottfried Christalnick, from a noble Carinthian family. Christalnick happened to be also a historian, who released a multitude of material in his studies, published as "Annales Carinthiae" by Hieronimus Megiser, in 1612. |
| After the death of Archduke Carl († 1590) the Catholic counter-reformation pounded heavily the Protestants in Inner Austria. Therefore, Georg's son, Franz Khevenhüller, could not follow his father's charges, and was buried on the grounds of castle Ostrovica, in 1602, because a Protestant burial was not allowed anymore in the Catholic Parish church of Villach. |
| Under the reign of Ferdinand II, the Archduke (1590) and Emperor (1619), conditions for the Protestant nobility in Carinthia and all Inner Austria (Carantania) became more and more difficult. The decisive hit came in 1628, when the sovereign forced the nobility to either convert to Catholicism or to leave the country. |
| From the House of Khevenhüller almost all, i.e., 21 members chose the exile, and were constrained to dispose of their properties for a very moderate price. Most of them entered the army of Gustav II Adolph, the Swedish King. At that time, the Swedish army supported Protestant princes everywhere on German territories. Even a Khevenhüller regiment was founded in the army, headed off by Paul and Hans Khevenhüller from the lineage of the Castle Frankenstein (Brankovica) near Völkermarkt-Velikovec. The regiment united many exiled Carinthians, who distinguished themselves through their bravery. Hans Khevenhüller fell in the battle already in 1632, and was buried in the church of St. John in Nüremberg. Paul Khevenhüller became a Swedish Earl Marshal, and died in 1655. Following all these events, the colours of the Khevenhüller's regiment reverted to Ostrovica again, and remained there as evidence of a free thinking noble family, who had the spirit to sacrifice for their faith, standing as a reminder and witness for later generations. |
| From 21 exiled members of the family only Sigmund Khevenhüller returned to Carinthia, enabled through the stipulations of the Peace-treaty of Westphalia in 1648, by which the 30-year-war ended. The Peace-treaty also declared amnesty for Protestant exiles of Inner Austria. His son Ehrenreich Khevenhüller, his consort and children converted to the Catholic faith, in 1666. Then, the ascent of the family began anew. In 1673, he received the title of Count. His son Sigmund Friedrich Khevenhüller became State Count (Reichsgraf) and member of the Swabian Reichsgrafencollegium. |
| The Khevenhüller-Metsch' |
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| Two coats of arms of the Metsch family: |
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On the left we see the traditional family shield: Argent, a chevron Azure. | |
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On the right: the honorary shield: Gules, a crown adorned by three ostrich plumes Or. | |
| In 1728, Johann Joseph Khevenhüller, Sigmund Friedrich's son, married the Countess Caroline Metsch from a very famous Saxonian family. The Metsch' pertained to the very ancient nobility of the Meissen district, the one-time March, which was incorporated into the Duchy (later kingdom) of Saxony. Their castle Friesen was in the family's possession for over 400 years. The name Metsch (pronounce: metch - sword, in Sorbian) bears witness that the family roots originated from a period, when still Sorbian, i.e., a Slav language of Lusatia was spoken in the district of Meissen (Mišin). |
| The family itself moved up in 1459, when a certain Kaspar Metsch fought on the Emperor's site against Mathias Corvinus, the Hungarian King. After that, he was promoted to Seneschal of Saxony. - One of his later descendants was Johann Ernst Metsch who advanced to Earl, in 1699, and in 1703 to State Count. |
| His son Johann Adolph Metsch moved to Vienna in 1699, and was appointed there to the Emperor's State Councillor (Kaiserlicher Reichshofrat). He was the father of Caroline. In 1739, he became a Privy Councillor and Vice Chancellor (Reichshofvizekanzler) and received selected privileges: The great palatinate, the right of coinage, the high jurisdiction, the right to choose feudal and army comrades, the right to deliver coat of arms but with closed helmets and without the crown, etc. etc. In case of default of male successors in the family, all rights were to be transferred to Count Johann Joseph Khevenhüller, the consort of his daughter and heiress Caroline. |
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| The coat of arms of the family Khevenhüller-Metsch, Counts and Princes are unified by the inherited arms of several families. |
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Fess Point: Per pale, Aufenstein and Mannsdorf. | |
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Shield: Quarterly, 1a and 4b Khevenhüller, 1b and 4a Weißbriach (1st), 2a and 3b Kellerberg, 2b and 3a Weißbriach (2nd). | |
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Chief: 1 Metsch (1st and 2nd), 2 Imperial Ea |
