The conference will provide an overview of the topic of joint lordships or condominiums, with a focus on medieval and early modern cities of the Holy Roman Empire. Whereas previous research on joint lordships has tended to adopt a regional approach, this conference will take a comparative look at the effects on cities and their inhabitants across various regions of the Empire. In addition to specific examples from southern and northwestern Germany, the conference will discuss the political context and legal frameworks of joint city rule.

A whole range of questions arises in connection with urban joint rule. For example, the durability of these governance structures must be examined. Were they short-term measures intended to pacify conflicts, or were they genuine, long-term, sustainable solutions? How did joint rule affect the urban population concerned? Did it impose restrictions or, conversely, provide greater freedom? These and other aspects will be examined comparatively, taking into account the political and legal frameworks of cities during the period in question.

The conference is being held as part of the program to promote the careers of female researchers within the Academies’ Program(external link). The public evening lecture by Prof. Eberhard Isenmann(external link), organized in cooperation with the Heidelberg Society for Legal History(external link), takes a broad perspective on the institutions, opportunities, and challenges of urban rule, government, and constitutionalism.

Please register to participate by September 30, 2023, at: hadw

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