POLITICAL COMMUNICATION BETWEEN RULERS IN THE "LIVONIAN CHRONICLE"
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Abstract
The article analyzes the cases of political communications between the rulers recorded in a Latin source known as the “Livonian Chronicle” by Henry of Latvia (Latin Heinrici Cronicon Lyvoniae) at the beginning of the 13th century. Based on the study of contacts between the main characters who appear in the “Chronicle”, the main attention is paid to the titles of the rulers, as well as the forms, methods, expected results and results of political communication between them. The analysis of the titles used in the “Livonian Chronicle” shows that the author equally often uses the European royal title ("rex", "rege") regarding the Christian rulers of Western and Eastern Europe. This circumstance emphasizes the high status of the Russian princes as equal participants in the political dialogue.
When considering contacts between rulers, two types of political communications can be conditionally distinguished: between Russian princes and crusaders, as well as between Russian princes and leaders of the Baltic tribal associations. In reports that mention contacts between the crusaders and the Russian princes, the main goals and results of the political dialogue are peace agreements and non-aggression pact, agreements on the entry of some Russian princes into vassal dependence on the Riga bishop, as well as the redistribution of spheres of influence. When analyzing messages about communications between the leaders of the Baltic tribal associations and Russian princes, the main goals of contacts are the peace agreements and military alliances; joint military operations against German colonists; a request for military protection against the crusaders. The central episode of most contacts between rulers is the giving of gifts by the interested party. Thus, consideration of contacts, agreements and treaties between the main political figures of the “Livonian Chronicle” makes it possible to explore the medieval perception of the image of the ruler in a communicative aspect.
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