Sold und schaden: der Kaiser rechnet ab : Überlegungen zu zwei Schiedsverfahren zwischen Kaiser Friedrich III. und Soldunternehmern zur Zeit des Ungarnkrieges

Abstract

The arbitration proceedings that took place in 1482 represent the lowest point in the relationships between Frederick III and two of his most important mercenary captains at the time. While the mercenaries claimed for promised pay and damages, Frederick III sued for damages caused by the mercenaries while in his service. The analysis of the court records highlights how both important and complex the role of scribality was in the process of conflict resolution. It both extended and constricted the scope of action, enabled arguments to be posed and debated, lent structure to legal proceedings, and was itself a matter of concern in the trial. Opting to resolve conflicts through arbitration was not necessarily a given, for Frederick III as a party rarely took part in such proceedings. This case study, however, demonstrates how in certain circumstances the Emperor perceived abitration as an effective means to an end.