Bonding with ‘Friends’ and Allies. The Teutonic Order’s Confraternity and Networking Strategies of the Livonian Master Wolter von Plettenberg
Bonding with ‘Friends’ and Allies. The Teutonic Order’s Confraternity and Networking Strategies of the Livonian Master Wolter von Plettenberg

Summary/Abstract: The Ability to create a network of relationships is essential for every group in order to pursue its long-term interests. The institution of familiares or the spiritual confraternity of the Teutonic Order helped this Military Order to create bonds with their supporters and benefactors, lay noblemen, and to create political alliances with rulers. The aim of this institution was to gain financial and political support, and, moreover, to create spiritual bonds between those involved. In the Teutonic Order bonding between the Order and its lay “friends” and allies was practiced since the 13th century; in Livonia, where the Order had its branch, the confraternity of the Order in the sources appears only during the late 15th century—the time when Wolter von Plettenberg was the Master (1494–1535). This article shows how the institution of the confraternity was used by Wolter von Plettenberg to strengthen his own position and to gain supporters during the crisis—the war with Muscovites.

• Details
• Contents