Kié az erdélyi fejedelmi kincstár? Brandenburgi Katalin és I. Rákóczi György vagyoni vitája 1630–1636
Who Owns the Princely Treasury? Property Dispute between Catherine of Brandenburg and George Rákóczi I. 1630–1636

Summary/Abstract: The marriage of Gabriel Bethlen, the Prince of Transylvania, to Catherine of Brandenburg in 1626 was initially seen as an union that held significant promise, especially in terms of foreign policy and political alliances. Bethlen made provisions for Catherine in his marriage contract, granting her considerable wealth and property. His will further enhanced her rights, theoretically making her the first to inherit the principality of Transylvania after his death in 1629. Catherine became the formal holder of an enormous treasury, however, her claim to this wealth and to political power faced several significant obstacles. The most prominent challenge came from George Rákóczi. A determined and ambitious figure, Rákóczi emerged as a powerful rival to Catherine after Bethlen’s death. His ascendancy marked the end of Catherine’s political ambitions in Transylvania. This paper offers an exploration of the prolonged property dispute over Gabriel Bethlen’s inheritance. On the one hand, George Rákóczi demonstrated a determined resolve to secure Bethlen’s wealth, backed by a well-organized and efficient administrative apparatus. On the other hand, Catherine of Brandenburg was at a disadvantage from the start. Her lack of preparation for the political and legal battles that ensued left her in a vulnerable position. Catherine’s inability to rally sufficient support or effectively counter Rákóczi’s claims underscores the precarious position of widowed aristocratic women, even those with significant theoretical rights to wealth and power.

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