At this writing, my travel has taken me to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With more than one month behind me and many days ahead, I am fortunate and seemingly blest by the aegis and care of my family and many good friends. I am staying with my best friends Pam and Greg Roll on their organic farm… Bohemia Creek Farms. Much of the land surrounding me is owned by their sons Josh and Erik, as the acreage that Pam and Greg tend to are their very own.  Erik and his family of 6 are visiting now from down in the Florida Keys and it is a great lift to finally see their 3 young lads, along with their friend Edward. Erik and his wife Erin have done a wonderful job of raising the lads. With their arrival I have moved to a “Camp” that Erik bought. It has all the accoutrements that aid my reading and writing.  I am now staying in a travel trailer amongst green fields which are swathed by verdant woods. I also have had the great pleasure of seeing my dear friend John Swanberg perform at open gatherings of great musicians here in the UP (Upper Peninsula, colloq.). My self-imposed exile from Slovakia has yielded much more than I expected in the way of meeting new people and making friends. It seems as though my “thumbnail itinerary” has me here until mid/late August with a week or so break to visit my Brother and Sister-in-law. Beyond that, I will make my way back down to Blue Island and the environs of Chicago. Nonetheless, my commitent to finishing of the 11th century is steadfast, and then I will engage in a short “summer break”. Onward (or backward) to our past in Central Europe.

HISTORY CORNER

   During this particular blog/post, we’ll have another look at why the Slavs/Proto-Slovaks were so easily overcome and the reason(s) that Nitra was still important. The continuation of the succession of the Hungarian throne, coupled with the feudal/manorial system. Again, we will encounter the thread that runs through this period – the religio/political realm of the Church… in Rome and Byzantium. Tied into this major chord of the symphony of our past will be the “Investiture Controversy”. Following that, I want to spend a short paragraph on trade, the Silk?Amber Routes (etc), and the overall importance of what trade does to a culture. Finishing with the last 40 years of the 11th century, I want to reference the surrounding political entities… Poland, Bohemia, and Rus’; these are areas of power, both burgeoning and established. Their influence on the Kingdom of Hungary, and of our lands between the Tatras and Danube is incalculable.

   I want to prevail and override our “to-do” list and begin with the idea of the birth of a nation, for which we are truly bearing witness to. Virtually all European nations have their beginnings as a medieval political entity. Each of the “crownland/nations”. (1) All of these entities or domains were chasing the wealth of the bygone Roman Empire. My impression is thus so: the landscape has changed – not so much the geography – the social/cultural/political perceptions and practices have altered and adapted to the recasting of the terrain of human activity in the Early/High Middle Ages. This is a phenomena that has taken place over thousands of years, in a myriad of geographies and cultures… only to continue unabated to the present. It is my firm belief that the modern basis for our current 200 (+/-) sovereign nations begin here, in essence. (2) The idea of what a nation is, its national image, and/or its “birth story”, are notions we will deal with time and time again… not only with our own Slovaks, but with the Hungarians and many other nations in our coming posts. When we near a modicum of what we mught term as “modernity” (Early Modern Era… 1450/1800 +/-), our blog/posts will take on another task to dwell on. From Jan Steinhubel: “The will to be a nation is thus a continuity of the idea of a nation” (2a)

   Yet in Central Europe, in the the late stages of the 11th century, there is a long road into the High Middle Ages and national cohesion; this is an adaptation that Hungary will not accrue for another 2 to 3 centuries. Many principalities and kingdoms were up to this point deeply rooted on a form of tribalism, including widespread (still) paganism, vestiges of the “old ways”.  Those of the same family, clan, or other kindred lineages were given preferential standing in that particular society or culture. As was the custom in the “Upper Kingdom”/Slovakia, those holding land as Counts…etc, were sworn in a sort of fiefdom to the crown of Hungary. While these leaders may not have been blood-kin, they were entrusted with running the manorial/feudal estates, collecting taxes and generally overseeing the interests of the crown to the south… in addition to procuring any sort of fighting force in duty to the crownlands. This entire occurence returns us to my greatest fascination: the ease with which the Magyar took over our land, which will become Slovakia almost a millenium from now (993 years +/-).

   Mentioned in prior blog/posts, the Slavs/proto-Slovaks at this tme ((10th c.) are eminently fractured and without any certain leadership; Nitra has gone silent, and there is little to no direction from those whose ancestors (or they themselves) who served under Svatopluk. In the ensuing centuries, Nitra still holds its power as the Magyar/Hungarians retain Nitra’s bastions as their seat of power for many years to come. (2a)

   Ending with the religio/political influences of both Rome and Byzantium. In the process, I will attempt to fold in the issue of trade and economics due to Hungary’s geographical position. Late in the 11th century, we are witness to a vast network of trade routes, essentially roads connecting larger cities to smaller towns along the way. While it may be true that most of the more heavily-traveled roadways were due to paths and routes traveled in days well before the Roman empire, the better-known in Central Europe is the north-south Amber Road from the Baltic to the Adriatic Sea. Mixed into the entirety of the trade routes was a heady conflation of the ideals of empire-building on the part of the various duchies and kingdoms as well as the overriding presence of the the Western Church – Rome. The church in Byzantium is always a factor, yet only in some areas of the Balkans and in the Rus’. I will keep iterating this fact: the Magyar/Hungarians were not Slavs and I feel innately that this notion should be kept in the fore as they become “an island in a sea of Slavs”. Going forward, as I reveal my shortcomings or oversights; there is a long litany of events and causes that I will attempt to reveal as our journey continues on.

   Returning for a moment to the succession of the Hungarian throne and the mid-century finds Peter Orsiolo/Orseolo (Peter “the Venetian”) for little more than two years, followed by Andrew I (1046-1060), a scion of a younger branch of the Arpad tree. Andrew is a descendant of Vazul, the forefathers of all kings of Hungary after Peter “the Venetian”. Vazul, if the reader can recall from a prior post, as a captive of Stephen I in Nitra, and it is quite possible that Vazul was a Duke of Nitra. Andrew was one of Vazul’s three sons that Stephen I banished from Hungary. In essence, Andrew’s exile lasted 15 years, and he was baptized oddly enough in post-nuptial rites under the Grand Prince of Kiev “Yaroslav the Wise” Andrew’s marriage to Anastasia turned him away from paganism. Andrew’s travel from Hungary after the exile is one for the ages… legendary.

   Herein we will follow ndrew I and his reign as the King of Hungary in the aftermath of Peter “the Venetian”. During the short length of Peter’s rule, the pagans once again reared up and rioted to restore paganism, which most of the Hungarian upper (or ruling) class opposed. Preferring a devout Andrew, the Hungarian elite chose him as the next King of Hungary over the older, and still a pagan Peter “the Venetian”; and Andrew’s older brother Levente – a pagan as well. Peter, now on the lam to Austria was captured and blinded. At this point Andrew I is crowned by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine IX (Monomachos). This is a link to be highlighted between Byzantium and Hungary. At once Andrew I denies his pagan backers, immediately declares the rituals of the pagans illegal; incredibly done many times by Stephen I between 1000 and 1038. According to the Hungarian Illuminated Chronicles, Andrew proclaimed that “those who lived within pagan rites should lay them aside”, and thusly returned to the “true faith” (Christianity) in corresponding to the laws of Stephen I.

   Another chronicler, Hermann of Reichenau tells us that “envoys at the behest of Andrew I proposed annual tribute and faithful service” to Emperor Henry III. If they would support Andrew’s reign. This the same Henry that sided with Peter “the Venetian” vs. Samuel Aba, whereby Henry, after defeating Aba’s forces, installed “a regular imperial administration” over the Hungarian’s crown-lands. As most of the medieval kingdoms/nation-states…etc, had a tendency during this period in the wake of Stephen’s rule as hotbed of internal conflict which became civil war at times.

    Hungary at this time is considered a “frontier society” as it is situated between Roman Western Europe and the “Barbarian East”. This moniker is applicable until the end of the rule of the Arpads in the beginning of the 14th century (1300’s). Beyond the easterns flanks of the territory that the kingdom holds at this point are lands that include Carpathian Ruthenia – essentially modern Ukraine’s western portion, as well as Transylvania, the Banat/Crisana, and Bukovina – essentially the northern half of Romania. In total by the end of this 11th century, the kingdom would encompass the entire Carpathian Basin, extend from Slovakia’s Tatra Mountains, south to the Adriatic, contain portions of eastern Austria, as well as Dalmatia (25%…or so of Croatia).

   In the stream of our discussion regarding this regions geographic placement, the crown-lands are uniquely placed to exploit trade routes in all directions, east/west and north/south. This situational placement not only contributed to Hungary’s wealth in the economic scheme of things, but over time led to a complete variety of ethnic and linguistic underpinnings, with religion not to be discluded. As it sits now in the late 11th century, Hungary is rising in status as bridge between the West and the East, and it will soon be a “global power” in terms of that period of the Middle Ages.(4a) My view as an amateur historian/writer, sets us up for the notion that quite possibly the Kingdom of Hungary will become a much larger player in the following acts and scenes of the history of Europe. The evidence solidifies and hardens in the 14th/15th centuries. Hungary’s position (and that of the future Slovaks) in the geographic/strategic sense, its richness in resources, and access to trade routes is aberrant in the history of Central and Southeastern Europe. That is overlooking their ability to mobilize a fighting force quickly in the service of the crown or an ally’s need. In Part IV of this series, as we wrap up the 11th century, there will be a strong attempt to bring this all together while not foresaking some of the events and occurences that lead us into the 12th century; and as always, keeping an eye on the Silk Road, castle-building, and empire-building in general.

   In these last 40-50 years of the 11th century, Andrew I (aka…”the White” or “the Catholic”), Bela I, Solomon, Geza I and Ladislaus I will see the Arpads end the 11th century along Coloman, and Stephen II – fittingly enough ushered in the 12th century. The kingdom matures on many fronts as the lineage of the Arpads continue. Bela I as yet, still must deal with paganism, as some of the populace rabbled for the murder of church officials (clericicide?). Following Andrew I was Bela I, and after him Solomon reign was beset by Bela and his followers… an occurrence that ensues from Bela’s seat on the throne to the birth of Solomon.

   Furthermore, the kingdom is becoming the very definition of both multi-cultural and multi-linguistic, and deeply-varied with religious adherents. Most modern scholars have reached the conclusion that the Hungarian kingdom was becoming a phenom beginning in this period. [see again Notes- 4a] Much like the rest of the inhabitants of this emerging polity, the Slavs/proto-Slovaks are a vital aspect of the strength and power the Kingdom of Hungary attains. While the above events unfold to the south of them, the future Slovaks will slowly lose their standing as true citizens of the realm, and only a very small percentage of the Slavs/proto-Slovaks will rise above the caste-like system installed by the Hungarians.

   In time, as the kings and kingdom begin to garner a stronger religio/political stance (trade included), there will evolve a need for greater control of the inhabitants in the realm, and liberty on most fronts will begin to dissipate. There are aspects of the kingdom I haven’t made mention of and that is the fact that in this Latin-Christian kingdom, there is evidence that the Muslims and Jews also flourished at this time. Overall, the Arpads relied on Rome in greater depth as the centuries wear on; by the 13th century – the end of the Arpadian house – this reliance escalates as the strategic significance of Hungary as a “frontier territory” is front and center as the rest of Europe comes under siege from not only the Mongols, but the Cumans as well. This facet will be referred to in the next series – the 12th century.

   In sum, King Stephen founded a nation-wide, or in this case a kingdom-wide tax system that included the “common man”, its 1st, and it may have been termed the “Freeman’s Tax”, a direct levy based on a single tract of land (or lands). Another form of wealth generated for the crown is connected to our earlier paragraph on trade and economics. Considerable sums of money were produced not only by markets and fairs, but just as importantly via goods coming and going through border crossings, i.e., customs and tolls.(5) For me personally, I have to add that the “church tithe” is also of primary import. Although much of this capital may have been bound for the Roman Catholic Church in the form of one-tenth of any citizens earnings, this is a religio/political coup. Whether the Kingdom of Hungary gains monetarily from the tithing, it is certain that it situates the Kingdom of Hungary as a significant satellite of Rome and as such Rome’s “Christian state” in the frontier lands.(6) The manorial/feudal system playbook is revealed to us as the Kingdom of Hungary utilizes the various systems to a tee. All monarchies are built on a duel system of direct monies to the crown, and extensive duties (or dues) reaped to support the king (or queen) and the church. The income generated by the products of the land and import/export is essential and proportional to the overall wealth of that particular crown-holder.

   Finishing here with those on the border of the Kingdom of Hungary, there are growing and potent entities. At this point, we have Poland, Bohemia, and Rus’. [there will be a paragraph in Part IV pointing out the influence of the “Germans”] The Bohemians were both friend and foe to the Arpad Hungarians, and this will continue as long as the Premyslid ancestors and Arpads vie for power between themselves for supreme recognition in the eyes of the Western Catholic Church (Rome). It may be that we are a few centuries away from territorial wars/skirmishes as the relationship between the Bohemians and Hungarians is quite contentious. In Poland there is an ally that secures the northern border of the kingdom, in opposition to the border with Bohemia. Aside from being a safe haven for Hungarian royals, as fore-noted, Poland aided Hungary in a series of pagan revolts as well as with the gap across the frontier with Kievan Rus’… and some of the polities of western Europe – HRE included. It is a shame that the history of this nation, Poland, is not as renowned as it should be; Poland and the Polish are, as a politicsl/cultural entity, complete in their resiliance to the sweeping changes of history. To the east of both Hungary and Poland is Kievan Rus’… or simply the Rus’. This is the third and last political entity to bring into the conversation, and certainly one of the most formidable of those to border the Kingdom of Hungary. This is the birthplace of everything that will become “Russia” and “Russian”. This polity has its origins in a definite mix of Norse (Varangians?), Slavs, and Finnic peoples (to point out the few). The Rus’, on there journey to become the political entity known as Russia will engage in battle with everyone from the Bulgars, through the Mongols, and the Khazars, among many others into the High Middle Ages. Looking back, if I haven’t denoted this as well, with Cyril and Methodius’ influence, Byzantium becomes much more influential in Rus’. Orthodox Christianity takes root and becomes the religiion of the eventual realm known to be Russia. By the end of the 15th century the tsars see themselves as the sole protectors of the Orthodox fathful. Another subject we will encounter in coming blog/posts.

  In Part IV of this series, my aim is to sum up the 11th century and try to bring it all together… to make clear exactly what our Slav/Proto-Slovaks  are going through as they become even greater entrenched in the social/cultural/political dynamics of the Kingdom of Hungary. In Part Iv we will also look at the influence of the various “German” states/duchies on Hungary’s  western borders. I wish to point out how the Investiture Controversy may have affected the Kingdom of Hungary and its dominions. We will as usual, stay connected to trade and economics, and the growing power of the Bishoprics. Lastly, in our Part IV of this series, I want to spend a short amount of time on on the denoument of the manner in which we study the High Middle Ages, i.e., the “medieval period” or erroneously characterized as the “Dark Ages”. My wish is to include far more maps and photos too. Part IV will be my last post until sometime in early/mid-September. I am taking August off as a holiday from the intense research and reading in the service of not only this blog/post, but from the two books I am currently writing in the process.

   Until we meet again, I wish you… all and everyone the best that your lives can offer. I hope, in earnest, that you will continue to follow my journey of not only this life, but our past as Slovaks. Please take care of yourselves, and take care of each other.

NOTES: (1) I have used quotations at my whim to roughly denote what they essentially were; nation as a title will still be a reach, but all were at some early point in their history ruled by a crown, or an arm of the crown, i.e., Prince, Duke, Baron….etc. 

(2) This a rough estimate – the viability of this number is built on precepts that are based on “poltical recognition”… an ambiguous term.  

(2a) Jan Steinhubel : The Nitrian Principality – The Beginnings of Medieval Slovakia… co-author in: East Central & Eastern Europe 450-1450; Curta & Zupka – General Editors. Brill Publ…pg19

(3) Andrew and his two brothers – sons of Vazul – fled and found a place in the court of the Duke of Bohemia where they met the also-exiled Mieszko of Poland. After regaining  the crown, Mieszko married his daughter off to one of the brothers. [The whole of this fantastic story is found in The Hungarian Illuminated Chronicle]

(4) Henry III was a Salian dynast, HRE (Holy Roman Emperor) from 1046 until his passing in 1056, he was a protagonist in the “papal schism”, better known as the Investiture Controversy, a periodic process that took place from 1046 until 1216. [we will introduce it in the closing of this blog/post – Part IV]

(4a) Not to remain unspecified is the some of the ideas that I have discovered during reading and research for this particular set of blog/posts. One of the best articles I have read concerning this moment in time is a piece by Rachel Steigerwald on the Stony Brook University web page which was posted 26 August, 2021… The Role of Hungary in the Global Middle Ages. This is a modern recounting of Hungary’s place in not only the Pannonia region but the range of greater Europe.

(5) We will touch on this subject as we close the 11th century in our last post – forthcoming.

(6) To be duly noted as a nation under the aegis of the Western Church, as opposed to the Eastern Church – Byzantium…. for the time being.

                                                  

   I have been in the US for a little more than a month now, and the surprises have not ceased. Living in my old hometown has been a real treat. I have been able to reconnect with most of my family along with my oldest and dearest friends. This beautiful little post-industrial town is like so many thousands across the US, trying to re-invent themselves to stay relevant and bolster the economies that were lost so many years ago, and Blue Island is no different. There are any number of our Boomers who, having remained here since childhood, and have seen this old railroad town slowly gasp for breath, only to be renewed with a bit of fresh air. There has been a revival of sorts as the once-formidable uptown business district (Western Avenue) has risen as if a Phoenix- toddler with promising results. My own family has been part of a movement to resuscitate the former “Olde Western Avenue” to a two-block hub of activity. I will be leaving here soon to spend the summer with my best friends in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They have a small plot of land and are virtually self-sufficient with a solar array, greenhouse, garden, and chicken coop. 

    Until my return to Slovakia, the “UP” (Upper Peninsula) will serve as a “home-base”. Along the way, I will visit my Brother and Sister-in-law at the Southwestern end of the UP, and get a dose of much-needed family time under my belt. As it is now, I am firmly ensconced equidistance between Marquette and Munising, and I look forward to fly fishing and visiting with friends of mine here. I have lugged reading material more than 7,000 kilometers and I remain committed to publishing this humble missive while here in the US. I would like to thank my Cousins Randy and Sandy, as well as Tom Dubois for their love and support, and to Tom for a residence at his home. To my Sister and Niece for their love and kindness. To Ashley and Dominic for keeping me in good stead with Weisse, and to Blue Island Public House, under the auspices of Jen and David Brown their employer – for a place to work and write. Lastly to my Daughter Ana and my future son-in-law Anthony for their care and love. To my ex-wife Romaine, for the short time spent together on this odyssey from the East to the West.

HISTORY CORNER

   In the year 1031, Stephen I suffered a loss greater than any he experienced in the field of battle, or in conflict with his rivals in the affairs of the burgeoning KIngdom of Hungary. Stephen and Gisele’s only son Emeric passed away from a hunting accident, or so it is believed. Many of their progeny had perished, most notably Otto who was born 5 years before Emeric in 1002. The idea of import here is that Emeric was not only a devoted son, but he was a devout Christian and his passing now brought on a great deal of concern for Stephen – “the Christianizer”. (1) We are aware of Stephen’s trials and travails through Hartvic (Hartvik), author of both biographic and hagiographic retellings of Stephen’s life. As it has been my wont, I remain wholly skeptical of chroniclers that are recalling, retelling, or cast as “official biographers” by Rome, as in the case with Hartvic.

   If my cynicism is very often reflected in my prose, there is good reason behind it, but I can assure my reader that I am detailing the events as they arise from research. On more than a few occasions in past blog/posts I have voiced my distaste for any form of “he/said/she/ said” chronicling, but this is the manner in which we are able to learn and ideate this period. This form will continue for at least a few centuries, so we must bear up to it and concede that this may well be the only method for educating ourselves about the Middle Ages. As it is, Hartvic writes from the 12th century – this will have to do. Hartvic was the Bishop of Gyor in Hungary – the Kingdom of Hungary, and it should be no secret that Stephen’s image is burnished from the very beginning.

   Nonetheless, Hartvic tells us that Stephen “repressed his grief over the loss of his earlier sons by finding solace in his love for his survivng son”. Emeric’s death flung Stephen, and I am sure Gisele too, into a state they would never recover from. From any standpoint this is very telling, because now Stephen must navigate the muddied waters of his succession – waters that were clear with Emeric’s existence. There are stories of a now grief-stricken Stephen washing the feet of pilgrims and paupers alike. Not the actions of a king, even the most devout of the Christian monarchs. Emeric’s loss jeopardized Stephen’s overall plan to fully establish a Christian nation in the heart of Pannonia/the Danube Basin.

    The most well-known of the various claimants to the crown is Stephen’s cousin Vazul, who was alleged to still ahve a penchant for paganism. Pivoting back to the Politico/Religio realm here in Pannonia, we find the Annales of Altaich (Annales Altahenses), which were German – devoted to Henry IV (Holy Roman Emperor), telling us that Stephen wanted his nephew Peter Orseolo in line next for the throne. As we will see in a later portion of this series, Peter will be controversial. As for Vazul, he was taken into custody and blinded. Vazul’s sons were kicked out of Hungary, with two returning to become king later in the 11th century. Following the execution of Vazul and a futile attempt at assasination, which may have transpired in reverse, another six years will elapse with Stephen issuing a “Second Book of Laws” within this period, and passing in 1038. Both “Book of Laws” have been alluded to in this series. In Part I, there is a reference to the “ten village rule” in which the inhabits essentially paid their own way into Christianity. This is also the book that ordered harsh penalties to enforce Sunday attendance and observance of the Chrisitan rites/holidays as a proviso of “forced-christianization”. Stephen’s “Second Book of Laws” regarded civic matters as a theme, and was far less ecclesiastical – property rights, homicide, theft, and my favorite, “conspiracy against the King and Kingdom. We have to believe that this particular entry: “conspiracy against…” followed the attempt on Stephen’s life.

   Stephen I and his legacy is as far-reaching as Svatopluk’s once was, and it would be effortless to fill the remaining blog/post with his achievements. Stephen may be THE most important figure in Hungarian history. The central fact that Stephen firmly rooted Christianity in the Carpathian/Pannonian Basin is in itself testimony to the power of the church in Rome, and the prevailing shift in politico/religio influence from western to eastern Europe at this moment in history. The church in Rome is beginning to solidify itself as not only a religious powerhouse, but also a political force soon to be reckoned with. A motif going forward that we will always comment about in the further portions of this blog/post… heading into the latter eras of the next millenium.

   Moving into the mid-point of the 11th century, following the death of Stephen I, we will at oft-times be trailed by the largess of Stephen’s piety and foresight. His legacy can be seen in the strata beginning with the the fact that Hungary as a kingdom, state or an entity at all is due to the aforementioned singular piety and his focus on ridding paganism from his lands. As an earlier Christian state, Hungary will outlast Great Moravia, and become an empire in its own right. As such, Stephen anchored the Mgyars in a fashion that the Avars,k Huns, and Svatopluk’s Nitra-based proto-Slovaks were unable to. Again, without the groundwork laid down by Svatopluk, Stephen’s endeavor would have been more hard-pressed to build a kingdom. Although no centralized state existed, and therefore the Slavic population of Great Moravia were not able to rise up, deter or turn back the Magyars, with the local gentry understandably ready ro retain their titiles and holdings as de facto members of the Hungarian elite. As I have pointed out, with only local quasi-administrative elements in place, the Slavs (of Slovakia at least) had no choice but to acquiesce to the inculcation of the Magyar into their lands. The fragmented tribes of Slavs lacked the cohesion to resist, and thus they were mostly settled in the forested mountains of the Fatras, reaching to the Tatras in the north.  We will draw out and look at the various reasons for the millenium-long rule of the Hungarians over the Slovaks, at least in Part 3 of this series.

   Lasting from the end of the 10th to the early 11th century, the “perfect storm” needed for Stephen’s deeds took place. I have to believe that the recognition from Sylvester II, the Pope in Rome at the time, in the form of a dedicated crown is certainly the most revealing of events, as it aided in the eradication of paganism (2). (In the modern-era, Hungary has nearly 43% of the population identifying as Christian according to the latest census of Hungary in 2022). Stephen’s “aggresive Christianization” as well as his dynastic alliances through the marriage of Gisela (Gisele), the sister of the Holy Roman Emperor – Henry II, are the hallmarks of “how-to-build- a- kindom”.?? These events, and a few others, kept the western powers clear of the Hungarians affairs – military, political, and religious. Personally, I have come to the conclusion that the lack of the Franks (Germans/Bavarians), or other western powers interferring in the Carpatho-Pannonian region may have been the greatest factor as far as cementing Stephen’s  success and legacy in the lands between the Tatras and Drava River. (3) This story involves the geographic as well as the historical, and I am committed to including as many maps and references as I can in order to engender further reading of this overlooked region.

   Following Stephen’s death in 1038, the Magyar/Hungarians descend into a period of civil war and political mutability. Pagan revolts (Stephen didn’t erase the pagans in toto), interwoven with the succession crises, revesl even to the untrained, that Stephen was not prepared, or had not prepared a succession plan… here again is the weight of the loss of Emeric. The following are the occupiers of the the throne of Hungary after Stephen; 1) Peter, Stephen’s nephew from Venice (1038-1041 & 1044 – 1046?)), 2) Samuel Aba, (1041- 1044) a member of a Khazar oriented ancestry, that allied with the Magyars in the 9th century prior to their migration to the Carpathian Basin. From the Gesta Hungarorum, we (may or may not) recieve the best of Aba’s background. Many resources, including the Gesta Hungarorum, tell of a return of pagan customs, and the harrassment of those associated with the Church. There is a resurgence in opposition to the Christian institutions built under the reign of Stephen I.

  

   The story of Samuel Aba is quite one for the ages, and with nearly 1,000 years of hindsight, it becomes better due to hindsight, and comparisons to so many others who should never have been crowned. Hermann of Reichenau, one of my personal favorites because he was “on the ground” at ths time, named Aba the “tyrant of Hungary”.(4)  While it is fairly common to any ruler of a nation-state/kingdomtp imprison, torture, or execute… extrajudicially. Aba became “drunk with power” and carried on with “bizarre behavior” before the nobles that were notnentierly willful with his undoing of both Stephen”s and Peter’s edicts. In the end, Peter regained the throne in mid-1044 after Henry III, the Salian Holy Roman Emperor, who owned much to Stephen I and his “gift” of modern-day Austria territory – “causa amicitae”/Lat: “for the sake of friendship”. Henry III marched into Hungary and determined the fate of Samuel Aba. Hermann of Reichenau reports that Aba’s end may be up for debate. It is said the Aba was taken as a captive by “King Peter” and lost his head as the price for his “unkingly behavior”. Another, a Hungarian chronicle, relats that Aba fled the battlefield near Gyor and was nabbed by locals, whereupon he was murdered by those people.

   Here we stand, in 1044+/-, and there is much more to relate to the reader regarding the struggles of a group following the death of their kingdom six years prior. Since the focus of this blog/post is Slovakia’s history, I could not blame the reader for asking: “Niel, why do we have a need to delve into the history of the Hungarian kingdom so deeply?” My answer is this, and will continue to be so for more than nine centuries: “the history of Slovakia and the Magyars is, like everything else in the past, inherently complex and intertwined… there is no telling the two apart at times”. As this statement may hold water, it will not deter me from pressing the case for the proto-Slovaks/Slovaks.

  Lastly, a last singular paragraph on Stephen I. From Rudolfus Glaber(5) we learn that Stephen made the paths to the various pilgramage sites, so much so that those traveling from “Gaul” (essentially most of France and the Low Countries at this time) and other Christian lands into Jerusalem – had virtually given up the sea route. Stephen was also know for engaging the pilgrims in person, even convincing some of them to settle in Hungary. Thus began a method of populating his kingdom that will be yet more overt in the coming years with not only the Germans, but other cultural groups as well. One illustration regards a Benedictine monk known as Gerard. From “The Long Life of Saint Gerard” ( or “The Passion of Saint Gerard) we understand that after meeting with Stephen, Gerard decided to stay in Hungary. He was instrumental in building upon the Christian foundation in Hungary with at least three abbeys at this period in Hungarian chronology. He became the Bishop of Csanad and was later murdered by Hungarian pagans in 1046. At this time in Slovakia, there is a “settling in period” for the old Slavic/proto-Slovak and Hungarian nobility, and the installation of stone castles there as well (Stephen was also a builder/fortifier). We will continuously interate the fact that Nitra is always the spiritual center of the proto-Slovaks/Slovaks – both spiritually and bureaucratic – adminstrative. Zobor Abbey is noted in royal charters as far back as 1111 and 1113 (Coloman, King of Hungary), but it had begun to be built during (or near) the reign of Stephen I, with heavy Romanesque influences; I have seen the ruins and it is a marvel. Having mentioned this in past blog/posts, and not to brag – Slovakia has the highest number of castles per capita… period. Yes, Wales (most per sq. mi.), the Czech Republic, and finally Germany with the highest entirely… just an idea of how important Slovakia was for the Hungarians. To emphasize, and I will continue on this point in in further blog/posts, it may dawn on the reader why I call Slovakia “the Upper Kingdom and not “Upper Hungary” – more on that subject as we wend or way through the next 900 years in the coming posts.

   In the ensuing blog/post, there will be mention of the “Investiture Controversy”, a list of chroniclers (in Notes), the integration of Slovakia in the 11th century, and more of the reasoning behind the Slavs/proto-Slovaks non-resistance to the take-over by the Magyar/Hungarians, and a few words on what effect the “Great Schism” of 1054 meant to those in Central Europe, the Slovaks, and the Hungarian Kingdom. We will also bring back “Umbrella Moments” and a reiteration behind pointing these moments out.

   Until we meet again in a couple weeks, I wish you all the best that your lives can offer. Until then, take care of yourselves, and take care of each other

Notes:                                                                                                                                (1) Author’s term                                                                                                (2) This eradication was not wholly complete and did not include the entirety of the population. A topic to be raised a bit further on in this blog/post.                                                                                                                            (3) The Drava River is commonly refferred to as Hungarys southern border. In the 11th century, and going forward, the southern border will extend well into the Balkans, and splay out on an East/West plane.                                                                                                                              (4) Hermann of Reichenau (1013 – 1054) Author of the Chronicon… the medieval chronicle of its time.                                                                                        (5) Rudolfus Gaber (985 – 1047) Benedictine chronicler

   This life here in Bratisalva will one that will be hard to shake. The safety, the affordability, and of course, the Slovaks. As it is, I will have to return to the US for some time. I will miss the “artistic life” in this little capital. I have been introduced to some of our most prolific writers, both young and old, as well as people with backgrounds in art. I have been fortunate also to see the fantastic Darko Ignajtovic Trio, and better yet to see my dear friend Silvia sing with them. All four are incredibly gifted and have the music running through their veins. It was a great time and a high point! Like all great musicians, they are approachable, and open. Wonderful players… each of them. I will be returning to the US at the end of this month, hopefully in 2 weeks(+/-) and it will be very difficult to leave all of those that I have been able to call friends, but I am excited to see my family. I have a plan to get at least another blog out after this (PartII), and will work extremely hard at continuing this series once I will back in the US. Nonetheless, my focus is to deliver the 11th century with accuracy and facts.

   My leave here is as certain as the moon and stars. As this may be my last letter or missal from this place, I have to give every bit of my props to the people that have been instrumental in my existence here. This is a town, full of unis and colleges, I have met some of the best people we have to offer here in this old town. Following are those that I will miss and are endeared the most to me. Professors Martin Homza, Thomas Konig, and Rod Salisbury. My dearest Sisters Silvia and Katka, along with Daniel H, Kristof Gregor, Sebo, Boris P, and Igor (Eeecho) C. My “travel agent” Martin, and my dear friends from “The Hundo – Erik, Mirko, Ondrejko, Olinka, Eva, and “Murph”…along with a cast of hundreds. I want to thank another “office/court” of mine, and that would all at Dolnozemska – Ilia, Valerii, Anastasia, Victoria, Emka, Tani, Sashka, as well as Misko and Philip – the top guys…they all treat me so well, and I will miss them for a few months. My leave here is not permanent, but aside from seeing my family and friends after a long absence, I have some trepidation about returning to the US without the necessities, i.e., a driver’s license, a car, or a definite place to stay. I will be happy to see everyone and I will work like a demon to keep up on these blog/posts. My love and warmest wishes to all!

HISTORY CORNER

     We will start now with the 1,000’s – the 11thc. My hope is to cover the early-middle reign of Stephen I. As we have seen, the Proto-Slovaks/Slovaks will fall under the rule of the Hungarian/Magyars; I will feel free to use these terms equally and interchangeably as they are both one and the same… symbolically and semantically speaking. In the coming posts I want to denote exactly how important Slovakia was to the burgeoning Hungarian kingdom… and even further along in historical time. I promise to remain staunch in my writings to not skew this history as “anti-Magyar”, or “anti-Hungarian”. History and our past is exactly what is it is… no revisionism here. Just a “heads up”, I apologize for calling Napoleon an “ass-hat”; this is not what describing history should be about – remember, Context!  There is a dearth of “early maps”, and I may not be able to post one until “Part II”, but the Hungarian kingdom at this time was the Carpathians in Slovakia (N/NW), to the Greater Pannonian Plains (S/SE)… and beyond.

                                                                                                  

   I posted these maps for a reason; I wanted to illustrate what these lands included without political or religious boundaries. Again, this is a rough idea of what the Hungarian kingdom inherited, or “inherited” from the former Great Moravia. Following the enthronement of Stephen I, (975?-1038), I want to place your imagination in the beginning of the 1st millenium. If the dates are even near-correct Stephen lived to be 63 years-old (+/-). Stephen is the singular-surviving son of Grand Prince Geza, and a woman many chroniclers have named as Sarolt – a daughter of Gyula, who was a Hungarian/Magyar chieftain.   There is a great deal of conjecture surrounding this union (Geza & Sarolt), but one thing is sure; Thietmar of Merseburg tells us that Geza was a merciless tyrant who ruled over his lords with an iron fist.(1)

   On to Stephen I and his rule! Following the moment Stephen became king, and I will mention this later in this post, there is a very sudden reckoning that occurs. As has been mentioned in the past post, the most generally accepted reasons for the presence of the Magyar/Hungarians is a combination of “forced migration; 1)they were pushed from behind by the Pechenegs?Bulgarians/Byzantines,(2) 2) they were already familiar with the terrain, and surroundings – having served as mercenaries for Great Moravia, East Francia, and the Byzantine Empire… & 3). The Arpads (Almos…etc), the forerunners of Hungarians accessed the Pannonian and Carpathian Basins circa 892 through the Danube Plains, aka the “Hungarian Steppe”. This the far-western extent of the Eurasian Steppe. I still want to point out that the Magyar have been here in our lands (both basins – Carpathian & Pannonian). Certainly another post further with maps and geography could avail the reader a better grasp of the ground that all of this history happens with our genesis here in the 11th century, beginning with Stephen I and the Hungarians.

   Koppany was vanquished with the aid of the Franks/Germans.(3) This occurs in 997, and essentially opens the door for Stephen to become “king” following his father’s death. It is important to point out that there was an influx of Germans into the territory of the Magyar/Hungarians, and it was the forces that stood behind him that enabled Stephen to defeat Koppany . Vecelin, most notably, was a Bavarian-born millitary commander, and along with the Swabian brothers Hont (Hunt?) and Pazman (Posmany?), the added forces allowed Stephen to subdue Koppany. He, Koppany, was quarted and sent to 4 Hungarian cities to be displayed on their walls.(3)

   Another 3 years following (1,000), Pope Sylvester II sent the royal diadem to Stephen who then dons the “Holy Crown” or “Crown of St.Stephen”, thereby elevating Hungary to a “Christian Kingdom”. The allegory surrounding Stephen’s crown are as myth-filled as any of the tales from the Early/High Middle Ages. History works in wondrous ways; those who have examined the crown of (Saint) Stephen I, believe that it is not the same crown that was on Stephen’s head in 1000. I am not refuting the fact that Stephen I was a king, nor am I bringing into question the legitimacy of his throne. I am merely highlighting a fact of history… that the relics of the past are often lost to time and the mien of those in power at any given time. One look at some of the shrines, castles-in-ruin, and other symbols of the past that have been razed, destroyed, or otherwise marred, can illustrate the fact that there is an arrogance and contempt held by conquerors. Our own Devin Castle here on the outskirts of Bratislava, was bombarded and leveled by a retreating Napoleon in 1809. This arrogant ass-hat, certainly a leader of “abnormal nature”, then shelled Bratislava itself and a cannonball, painted in gold is embedded in the clock-tower of our old town hall. We only have to look at our modern times with the destruction of the massive Buddhist statues in Afghanistan, in which the conquering forces destroyed immense shrines carved into the side of a mountain… at least more than 1500 years old. Enough said, no further expositiion on my part with bias… no more invectives.

    Before I wandered off-task in the last paragraph, it is also believed by many historians of note, including Prof. Homza, that the crown of Stephen I may have been meant for the king of Poland – Boleslaw I/ Boleslaw the “Brave. In the ensuing precepts of both Papal and royal power, the crown went to Stephen I. The result of the “Religio/Political” influence of Sylvester II, who believed that Stephen’s conversion, stability, and earnestness as a devout follower of Christ… was a much better choice. Just prior to the decision on where the crown should go, Sylvester met with Boleslaw, Emperor Otto III – a scion of Saxon/German dynasts- regarding who should be “crowned as king” of the burgeoning Christian lands of Central Europe. It has been rumoured that Otto III prepared the crown for a Polish ruler to reign over those south of the Baltic Sea. As might be expected, there is a great deal of intrigue involved here as Boleslaw was not coronated for another 24/25 years. There will be  a need to expound further on the “Religio/Political” influence from not only Rome, but as we have seen with “Bishop” Wiching at the end of the 9th century, the clergy had also wielded a great deal of power in their realm (Bishoprics/Archbishoprics)… we will encounter this subject in the coming blog/posts.

    At this point, we could  remain consumed with our focus on the Duchy/kingdom to the north, and coming posts, in this very series, as well as future posts – Poland matters! I have to believe that the resiliency of the Poles is quite that of the Slovaks. We’re talking about a culture/nation that has been at the very top with a “golden age” alongside the Lithuanians in the late Middle Ages. Everyone from the Teutonic Knights to the Russians wanted a greater influence on these geo/cultural entities. A history not to be overlooked, to be sure… but we must forge ahead with the the history that matters most for us.  As we go forward into our history, (Slovaks & Magyars) we  will keep a close eye on our neighbors to the north. The Kingdom of Hungary is the inheritor of Great Moravia, which is essentially still in place at the onset of the 11th century. From the ruins and ashes of the power in Nitra came the Hungarian kingdom’s territorial integrity and regional administration. Not to be outshined, was the military and social/economic infrastructures.(4)

   Equal to the prior assets of Great Moravia is the fact that Christianization was here, but by this moment the belief had softened, with paganism still holding many pockets of the Carpathian/Pannonian Basin. Stephen I instituted and fortified the religion of Rome. In the next series of posts of this series, I aim to look at the growing, and then near absolute power of the Papacy. Byzantium, and further on will be a mention of the Crusades.

   A paragraph or two on how Stephen I consolidated power and locked his kingdom into Christianity. After having defeated Kopany and the “Black Hungarians”, both forces supporting the pagan or non-christian effort. The devout Stephen wanted to ensure that his loyalty to the papacy and he did so by systematically forcing his subjects to abandon their paganistic ways. In the legislative vein, all or most of his laws and edicts were associated with Christianity. For instance, there was the “ten-village” rule – in which ten villages had to work together to build a church, and then to attend that particular church… in a way, they were paying and building their way out of paganism.

   In the religious vein, Stephen established an archbishopric in Esztergom from which the archbishop ruled his see away from Rome’s and dignitaries. It may have been just that which Svatopluk desired, but Stephen attained it. Establishing a Roman Catholic Church away from the prying eyes and influence of Rome.

  Following that, Stephen also erected, or established a diocese in southern Hungary – Kalosa (1002+/-). Alongside the earlier building and legislation, Stephen also evangelized within his kingdom by 1) inviting missionaries into Hungary from Western Europe, 2) employing monks to grow a newly educated class, and 3) Stephen further promoted Christian values by ensuring safe passage for religious pilgrims through Hungary, including erecting hostels for the selfsame pilgrims. All of this took place in a relatively short period if you figure in the time from “active conversion” in mid/late 900’s, and “institutionalization” by the mid 1000’s.  It would appear that it took the Magyars roughly 100 years from “Steppe-Pagans” to “European Christians” Although there may have been a few variating factors, this is a generally accepted notion. 

   It is during this period in our study, that those who are observing, commenting, and chronicling are closer to the scene and near-personally aware of the events taking place. As most readers are quite aware, one of my greatest concerns have been that these people writing about this history were either geographically or “time-removed”. As I continue to do research, I have become inured to the dearth of “feet-on-the-ground” reporting. In a later post, I will provide at least a passage or two regarding this phenomena and my discomfort with it as well. As it stands, I am very thankful to Prof. Martin Homza for his guidance in this matter. 

   Slovakia at this time in history is being ruled by “princes-in-power”, following the fall of Great Moravia, and the proposed “civilizing of the Slavic tribes east of the Elbe River. This was an entirely Frankish/German/Saxon tenet.  Under this “parasol” of the many Slavic groups were the Proto-Poles/Poles, Czechs, Bohemians, Moravians, Proto-Slovaks/Slovaks, , and those “below” the Danube like the Bulgars, and Proto-Romanians. Essentially, any group not considered “western , or Frankish/German, “Italian/Roman”, or otherwise. You may have heard the term “Saxon” from time to time, and if you investigate on your own it can be discovered that this refers only to the continental Saxons/Germans and not those who “conquered” England, nor those from Denmark (modern-day) or the North Sea area of modern-day Germany.

    As we can see in the early years of Stephen’s reign, there is consolidation, despite Roman-Papal exertion of influence – although not entirely- and the extension of Stephen’s (& thus the crown’s) power over his Pannonian kingdom. With the core of his religious, political, administrative, and physical entities (esp. fortified borders)…Stephen had established Hungary as a Christian kingdom on the western style.

   Now in the early “High Middle Ages”, the Catholic Church begins to ascend toward a peak in its power during the era of Pope Innocent  III in the early 13th century (1198-1216+/-). With Stephen and our Slovaks there are troubles already. By 1014, the Poles, also a christianized kingdom by 1025, had been disputing the Hungarian post along the Morava River. Hungary and Poland had waged a “war’ for 4 years (1014-1018) which included the Pechenegs as allies of the Brother-in-law of a Polish duke, and that was “Grand Prince” Sviatopolk I of Kiev. Two items here… first- I love these titles, “Grand Duke/Prince”..etc. Second, how does the name of this Grand Prince strike you?… just another idea of the important historical legacy of Great Moravia’s Svatopluk. In any case, there is an “occupation” of Slovakia by the various Polish “Grand Dukes” that would last until at least 1031. It will include the northern swath of our near-modern border with Poland, mainly the Tatra Mountains in our north and their south; we share a 550km/335mi border with Poland. Special are the castles, Spis (speesh), Orava,  and Strecno (Stretch-no). Stated before, and still a fact – Slovakia has more castles per-capita than any other country…period! Yes! Countries exist with more castles on the ground, but we have the most “per-capita” due to the fact that we have have a population that could might be less than some cities respectively.(5)

   Poland currently and parallel to Hungary, is a growing kingdom. In 1018, the Peace of Bautzen between Poland and the Holy Roman Empire (essentially the Saxon Ottonians and a hodgepodge pf German duchies and Northern Italian territorial holdings), was a give-and-take of lands conquered and regained, mostly centered on Lusatia (E Germany/SW Poland). In the next blog/post, we will see a turnover of power from the Ottonians to the Salians – 4 Holy Roman Emperors in succession, starting with Conrad II through the  3 Henrys- III, IV, &V. Their rule(s) will not be without controversy, nor will there be any freedom for those in the Carpathian Basin/Pannonia from them… they will be responsible for the “Investiture Contorversy”.(6)

   At this juncture, we have roughly 20 more years with Stephen I. It is said that Stephen led a military expedition into the Balkans to assist the Byzantines against the “barbarians”.(7) This “wonderful’ (sarcasm intended) for the inhabitants of the Balkan Peninsula. Following his peace with Poland in 1018, Stephen allied with the Byzantines to “subdue and conquer” the whole of Bulgaria at the time.

   I want to draw to a close with a few more remarks. Stephen will be gone from us in about 20 years, since I want us to be in the same place in the 1020’s. In 1024, Stephen loses an ally, Emperor Henry, and thus must deal with Conrad II.  (990+/- to 1039) Conrad is in turn, a very aggresive and offensive emperor and we now transition to the Salians, as was Conrad II  who will reign as the king of “Germany”, “Italy’, and Burgundy. Not only was this taking palce on our western flank, but the Germans  were not content to allow this powerful Christian nation (Hungary) to grow in influence. When I say “Germans”, I am indicating the Bavarians and the Franks (Salians). after Stephen’s death, Conrad ventured into Hungary (1030) and looted the lands in the west of Hungary. It was a losing campaign.(8) It is a must to cease our discussion here. In our attempt to understand things, we must look at the chroniclers of this age.(9)

   It must be clearly understood that these various medieval states were not completely homogenous. The Kingdom of Hungary was above and beyond the standard. Not only did we have Proto-Slovaks/Slovaks, but through a “personal union” – Croatia.(10) Romanians, Germans, Serbs, Russyns, Jews, and many other ethno-linguistic cultures were present. The Slovaks, to this day, consider their relationship with the Magyar as “compicated”… across the board – politics and social-standing included. We are going to to begin the next portion of this series – Part II – in and around 1020/30. We will continue our drift beyond Stephen’s passing, and include Emeric’s death in the mix. The future of the Hungarian kingdom will hang in the balance from 1031 on.

   In the next part of this series, which I will be writing from the US, I want to lay bare the next 50 years, at least, going into the late 11th century and fold increasing urbanization into the mix. We will continue to visit the importance of the surrounding regions and their impact on the the entirety of the Hungarian kingdom. The Proto-Slovaks/Slovaks are beginning at this time to cooperate and according to one blog on the Slovak/Hungarian dynamic, it is clear that they are the “foundation of the Hungarian kingdom – Magyars and Slovaks”.(11)

   We will conclude this blog/post with my telling all that I am leaving Slovakia for a bit, and I give my full assurance that these missives will continue once I an settled in the US. My goal is to publish by late May. This history remains as profound as any that one can study. There is another millenia to recount, and point out. I am eternally grateful for all who stop by to witness this near-anomaly in the history of Central Europe. Until we visit again..please, take care of yourselves and take care of each other.

   

NOTES:                                                                                                                       (1) Geza was said to be a cruel monarch who promoted Christianity while still practicing paganism * Thietmar of Merseburg

(2) History and Geography are as closely related as human behaviors/events. Maps should be included in any endeavour that involves history; at some points my shortcoming is that I would take the map as “verbatim”. They are a human interpretation of spatiality.                       (3) Koppany was an elder/leader of the “pagan” Magyars, who was defeated in his attempt to gain Geza’s place following the later’s demise.                                                                                                                           (4) The economic factor is very often overlooked by many writers of the past. We will peer into an often bypassed issue in this series – remember, without an economy, there may be no growth… not political, artistic, or intellectual….P.E.R.S.I.A.                                                                                            (5) The “Castle system” will be a separate blog/post. Fair warning: it may be lengthy.                                                                                                                     (6) This Investiture Policy will be discussed in later blog/posts re: the power fray between the Church and (secular?) rulers about who has the authority to invest Bishops and other high officers of the Church within their empires/kingdoms.                                                                                                                      (7) I have a concurrent paper/book re: this term – “barbarian”… what it means and what it denotes about those who use it so freely.                     (8) Conrad’s army returned to Bavaria(?) with nothing – due to scorched earth by the Hungarians.                                                                   (9) We will list the chroniclers at the end of Part II of this blog/post series                                                                                                                              (10) A “personal union” differs from a “real union” because it is very often a combination of states that have the same monarchy or shared monarchies….with laws and borders which may be interlinked by perhaps a governmental institution. The opposite of this is a “real union”, with integrated states and mostly shared institutions —> i.e., the Austro-Hungarian Empire (1867-1918).                                                                                                                   (11)   Reference: Total War Center – to blogs – “Slovaks in the kingdom of Hungary —> search                                                                                                                                                  

                                                                                                                                                       

   I am preparing the next series on Slovak history in the 11th century, as the Humgarians have crowned a Rome-sanctioned king,… the journey continues. I have been planning this short treatise for quite some time… a space between posts – if you will indulge me. I feel it open and fair that I reveal my methods, as if confessions of my political/philosophical leaning weren’t enough. I have a desire for my readers to understand where my blog/posts come from. Comments are always welcomed and if there is a dialogue as a result, that would suit me just as well.

     As a lay historian, actually more of a writer… I have developed my own methodology for looking at the past, or present- for that matter. I use two distinct approaches to gain an idea of what has transpired in a given region, with a political/cultural entity, or a period in history. The most important aspect of understanding the past is gathering information. Research must include as many primary sources as possible, with secondary sources to follow…maybe even tertiary We must allow all of that data to filter down through synthesis, antithesis, and on to thesis. It is a mistake to create a thesis by molding your data around it – thank you Barbara Tuchman. Molding your “truths”, as opposed to presenting  “fact” is widely done in the modern era with the news, hence – misinformation/disinformation.(1) 

The following are the 2 systems that I use to pen my blog/posts here on WordPress. Within this bailiwick are the 5-fold “W’s” of factual reporting which should include data in only 4 of the aspects. The “when”, “where”, “what”, and “who” are ultimately not conjectural. The “why”, on the other hand, should be up to the reader (or listener). All too often, we are given the “why” as opinion – pure conjecture on the part of the person(s) reporting. A Professor I had at one time said, “telling me the facts is reality, you’re telling what you think, and that is propaganda”… the difference is is the “why”… you’re interpretation as a human being with a bias… not facts, just your interpretation.(2)

   In any attempt on my part to understand the past, I use the “P.E.R.S.I.A.” system to gather all the information/background that I can, and then apply the “5 C’s of Historical Study” to break down the synthesis/antithesis/thesis procedure, to arrive at a better picture of the occurrence. [See Barabara Tuchman’s “Practicing History]

Here we have “PERSIA” as an acronym for: P= politics/ the political, E=economics, R=religion, S=social/society, I= intellectual/artistic, and A= area/geographical. In this paradigm, coupled with the “5C’s of historical study”, I am exposed to the broad view of what is taking place in a particular region, or time span, and with a focus group during an event in the past. Once I have the thesis, as a result of the “filter process”, i.e., synthesis/antithesis/thesis…

I can then look at it all with the help of the “5 C’s of historical study”. They are as follow in no particular order:

1) Change Over Time: History involves us as human beings to examine how people, and “things” change, but stay the same over long periods.                                                                                                                         2)Causality: This is a historical focus on indentifying the causes and effects of the “historical process”.(3)

3) Context: A mannner in which historians attempt to understand the specific circumstances surrounding a particular historical event within that particular moment in time.  In the study of the past, it is of the utmost importance to see an event, opinion, or a cultural/societal more within its time. For example: the “Enlightenment” was aimed at “liberty, equality, and fraternity”, but most of those that espoused these ideals were also men (mostly) that thought nothing wrong with slavery, the lack of women’s rights (education, sufferage…etc); this could be a possible “modern” interpretation of that period.  In the “context of the time”, is where we must dwell in order to achieve a proper analysis of that particular present, and the forthcoming events. In other words, we cannot foist our “modern ideals of society or culture” on the past as we study it. A quite atypical manner of looking it would be to say “it was what it was”. Opposed to this line of thinking is the new “woke” era of thinking, not only in the US, but global as well. As an Academic/Philosophical Anarchist, I view this movement as more neoliberalist hogwash. This attempt by those on the left…far-left, if you will, to revise history just as those on the right will…and do. History must NOT be taken out of context, no matter how “ugly” it may seem to our modern sense-of-things.

4) Complexity: Simply put, history is not a linear event. Complexity is the notion that more than one idea or event will influence the outcome of a particular series of occurences. We can visualize this in the many wars and political movements over time. Any singular event or idea is dependent on a myriad of factors and inputs.

5) Contingency: History is not “inevitable”; the conditions (prior to & following thereof) any event(s) are squarely based on the feckless nature of those with power, and those striving for it.(4)

   For those following my blog/posts on Slovak history from here in Bratislava, I am unerring in my pursuit of what constitutes history, and what is “manufactured” to suit the facts. Research from many diverse outlets allows me a better look into our (the Slovaks) past than I have witten prior. My sources are vastly more varied, and my criteria is as you have witnessed above. P.E.R.S.I.A. allows me to break down the past in my notes. In the aftermath, there is a great deal of discussion with those who know much better than I… the scholars that are conversing with me, and essentially tutoring me. As mentioned in my blog/posts on Slovak history, I have the good fortune to attend “Club Archaeologia Istropolitana”, or as I call it “The Wednesday Night Archeology Club”. This study is one that I am slowly learning. I wish we could all be Archeologists. The attributes of focusing on the physical aspects of our past is invaluable. Someday I would like to go beyond exploring ruins and witness for my self exactly how this whole process is done. Again, I shy away from the notion that I am a “historian”, and work especially hard as someone who is a writer that reveals history with not a hint of “why”.

   In sum, I have for a near-lifetime crafted my mnd to see mankind’s, and womenkind’s past as an entity that is more “circular” than “linear”. In order for us to go forward, we as a race of human beings need to shake off the old notions that bind us to the past and therefore enable us to keep repeating the mistakes that have beeen made throughout history. When recounting the past, we must adhere to the notions of fact and reality. The facts are what really occurred, and the reality is what people have lived through. There is no ontological inter-ptretation here. My aim is to understand exactly what those “under” power experienced from those “over” power. Unfortunately, there are those “over” power, or wielding power that are entirely inculcated with the idea that they are the “chosen few”.

   We have lost the sense, in my humble opinion, that the past must be understood within Context. Change Over Time is closely linked to Context in that our perspective changes but there are many threads from the past that are woven into the fabric of who we are as a race. “Historical processes” are continual, unending, and eternal as the rise and fall of the sun in our sky.  Rushing headlong now as we are in this “post/meta” – modern age, these prior ideas are all but forgotten. While it may be true in some people’s minds that gods, myths and legends go on forever, there may well an absolute that they exist as stories, fables, and morals – to point human beings in some sort of “right direction”. (5) News-sources, ideologies, and most impotantly history books are so rife with these “beliefs” that fact and fiction are taken to mean the same thing. The “journalists” that are offering their opinioin on an event or issue are merely giving their skewed input. I believe not one of them, and I am very gratified to have grasped an Anarchist study of the past. I see it as a “gift” to be able to “pull back” from the usual pablum that we are spoon-fed from an early age and continue to be served this tripe in the restaurants and diners of our lives. It is global thing and not a “US thing”. Virtually all of the news and history we are given (country after country)is strained, whipped, and given to us in small bites.

   As a TA in college, and a teacher, I have always been at odds with the various administrations, merely because what was taught was then relayed to parents, or others, and I was abraded for attempting to teach the facts. This all comes down to education, and any toil on my part to impart the “5 C’s” or P.E.R.S.I.A. has been met with denial and aspersions.

   We have this incredible dichotomy between what we are and what we should, or can be. We have the capacity to know and learn the past without the adornments of “talking heads” – those who believe the near-mordant raiments of their understanding of the past. Turn on any “news” channel at any moment and you will experience this first hand; a bending of the facts to suit the opinion of the “talking-head”.

   In sum, I feel it is very important to understanding where I’m coming from here. We can call it a sort of “preface/intro” after the fact, or “post factum”… if you will. I thank everyone, again for their interest in this journey through Slovakia’s history with me. I invite and welcome all comments.

Best!                                                                                                                                           Muddyslovak

   NOTES:

(1) Fact vs. Truth: Without getting too “philosophical” here; Facts are objective, verifiable, and invariable – mostly in the form of data. Facts constitute actual reality, are specific, and without “what one thinks or feels”. Truths are what we believe, they subjective, and modified by our perspective. Truths remain as an interpretation of what we have experienced, which are usually factless and based on our human biases which have been shaped by our environment.

(2) This is a “Edmond-ism”. In note-taking for college, I would assign these quotes to a particulat teacher/speaker. In further writings, I will note the “isms” going forward… there very many. Robert Edmonds was a film teacher/professor and favorite of mine that I had at Columbia College/Chicago. Throughout these many blog/posts you will see my education in the arts, history and culture as a “Bouras-ism” (Harry Bouras) or as a “Pacyga-ism” (Prof. Dominc Pacyga) 

(3) “Historical processes”: this is a series of interconnected events that have or may have shaped our cultures, ethnicities, and politics over time. The “historical processes” are part of certain progression of many ideologies, social frameworks, and /or politics. If we are to understand these processes we must recognize and enumerate the massive spread of technology (in all forms). and the evolution of how culture is practiced. This is where the recognition of the “causal idea” comes into play and how it may exert its influence on the present time and the future. To add to this idea, these are long-term and interconnected series of events, which involve transformations and structural changes that have been molding cultures/societies for the length of humankind’s existence.

(4) Fair Warning: This will be a recurring theme through the many blog/posts that I publish. I am completely focused on the term “leaders of abnormal nature”. The “march of folly” (thank you again, Barbara Tuchman) continues as we study the history of mankind…and womankind.

(5) See: Joseph Campbell’s works on this subject. His work on myth is seminal and important for a better understanding of the worth of mankind’s earliest myth/legend-makers. “The Hero With a Thousand Faces” and “The Hero’s Journey” are relevant in any attempt to understand “The Epic of Gilgamesh”, “The Iliad”, or “The Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

   We have had what amounts an early spring of sorts here in Bratislava with temps in the low/mid-teens around the mid-teensC (mid 50’s/low60sF). I’m sure it will fluctuate, but there are signs that winter is fading. I have extended my stay until the end of April (from the end of March). As I have been pondering the direction of these blog/posts, I am also trying to plan a return to the US, which I do not look forward to one bit. There is are a couple of “last chance” plans afoot to keep me here and thus I need another month for it to all play out. With so much going on, I have a great deal to be thankful for. In the past, I spent as much as 3/4 nights-a-week at home , and as it stands, I feel like I am never in my house My social scene has taken flight, and between my English students, meetings with Prof. Homza (when I am called), and keeping in good stead with friends, I have become busier than ever…I am very fortunate indeed. Once a month, I am particularly grateful to be included in what I call “The Wednesday Night Archeology Club” at Comenskeho (Comenius University). Prof. Salisbury, from upstate New York, who leads the series, and I am especially  indebted to Prof. Thomas Konig for his patience and kindness in teaching more than I could ever know about archeology/history as it regards our past. Prof. Konig and I recently met for a chat, and he is eager for me to “catch-up” to this era we are currently going to survey in the wish that I will be able to include more of  the archeology of the following centuries in order to further this blog/post.

   HISTORY NOTES

   We have a lorry-load to dig into as the 10th century, the “900’s” come to a close. In Pannonia (the Carpatho-Danube region)… or “Transdanubia” at this time, and in this period (approx 985 +/-… the Magyar will become, at least in my eyes, the “Hungarians”(although I may use the two terms interchangeably). In a few years we will have Stephen I ascend to the throne as the “King”, and anointed so by Rome. Stephen is crowned on “Christmas Day” of 1000- December 25. This last blog/post on the 10th century will be focused on exactly what was in place for Stephen to walk into Pannonia and become king. An “empire” that would last for nearly 1,000 years… a bit more than 900 years. From 1,000 to 1918… 918 years to be exact. Although I will do my best to limn out the years from 1,000 to 1918, this blog will end there, with the finish of WWI.

   For now, on this occasion, in the late 10th century, we must stay focused on how the Magyar/Hungarians were able to garner the power that they did. I believe the first place to start is with Rome (Western Roman Church) and Byzantium (Eastern Roman Church). Number one on my list of things-to-do, is to try to make heads or tails out of the religio/political influence being exerted at this time. We witnessed in earlier posts the power of the clergy, and the mandate from Rome to “christianize” the eastern lands beyond .

    In this post, the last of the tumultuous “900’s”, we may have a longer read than most are used to – coming from me. There is a great deal to include while summing up the past 100 years of this era. The most daunting task is mine, while you my dear reader only  have to read. It may seem to somethat I have been a bit “sparse” in one respect or another, and perhaps more “full” in other respects; the chore here is “what to leave in and what to leave out”. As I repeat, perhaps ad nauseum; our past (the Slovaks and our territory) has a history that has been overlooked for as long as its existence. As an aside, when I would bring this issue up in my many “European History” classes in uni/college, it was waved off as “insignificant”. I have to refrain from recounting all the alliances, wars (even the smallest/shortest), and the complete underpinnings of the sway of the churches (both Eastern & Western). If I were to “push to the edges”(4) and names all of the names, recite battles and skirmishes, along with the multitude of alliances (& “un-alliances), this post would require 7 to 8 parts. As it is, I will still do my best to unwind and unravel the “complications” and “complexities” of this mysterious history in all other lands. Prior to launching into the 6 or 7 aspects that I have listed in my notes, this controversy has to be brought to light again… our geographic place in Europe.

    There seems to be great confusion about the terms of where we are/I am located; I get this in spades from those outside of this general area. “Are  you in “Eastern Europe?”, “East Central Europe?”, or “Central Europe?”…. I will most often answer yes to all of these queries. Slovakia is usually termed “Eastern Europe” as most countries here were connected to the Soviet’s influence in the 20th century. As far as the moniker “East Central Europe”, I might stretch to think so, as we may  geographically exist on the eastern end of Central Europe. In the end, I prefer “Central Europe”. We sit squarely in the old Austro-Hungarian Empire. Historically, culturally, and politically we have closer ties to Western Europe than this “East” that is implied. We are a predominantly Catholic nation – 60% +/-, and Greek Catholic- 4% +/-. We use the Roman alphabet, as opposed to the Cyrillic base of grammar. As a matter of fact, there is a town here that is considered one of the geographical “centers” of Europe. This particular town – Kremniche Bane – is one of the centers of Europe… there are at least six others that make this claim. Unsurpisingly, this small village was at one time a singular “island of Germans” that were expelled at some point following the end of WWII. This village is located in an area north of Kremnica (crem-neet-sa)(1)(2). As we will witness here in our later posts, Kreminca as to this date is one of the oldest coin-mints in the world(since at least 1328).

   As we go forward, and sometime in later posts, I will attempt to limn out the need for looking at this entire history within the construct of the “5 C’s of history.–> or “historical study”. It includes: 1) Context, 2) Causaity, 3) Complexity, 4) Change Over Time, & 5) Contingency. (3)  I believe it is a complete mistake to infer “modern-thinking” in terms of looking at the past. Enough said…

     The very end of the 10thc finds us in Pannonia, virtually combined with the Magyar/Hungarians… and I couldn’t agree more. The Proto-Slovaks/Slovaks will become a sort of vassals to the emerging Hungarian Kingdom. All of the positions and players are in place because of Svatopluk”s vision and growth. In the aftermath, Stephen I was opposed by not only Kopanny, but also by Gyula “the Younger” and the “Black Hungarians”. (5)

    The 7 tribes of the Magyar were spread out through the lands of Pannonia and thusly were able to enforce the boundaries of their frontier, and also equipping them with the tools to reckon with anything that would arise within their borderlands. In the next series I will get into the mechanics of how Stephen I was able to rise to power, as it was intrisically connected with Rome. As a matter of fact, and one we will see, Stephen established theChristianity in Hungary as the 1st state “religion”.

   In the second paragraph of this missive, I stated that there was to be some modicum of focus on the “Religio/Political” influence of both churches….Rome (Western) and Byzantium (Eastern). Perhaps an insight as to why the Magyar/Hungarians sided with Rome, and let’s keep in mind at this point, they are still not in power yet. Yet, the Roman church had already exerted religious authority and political influence in much of Central Europe…especially Pannonia. One of the reasons for this, is that the Byzantines were far more focused on vassalage, subordination, and submission. Their policies are overt and clear if we were to look  at the treatment of most of the Balkans by Byzantium. Deviating from our purpose at hand for a moment… the Byzantine Church was knee-deep in wars with the Abbasids (from Iraq originally), and were often consumed by these conflicts to the detriment of those on the Balkan Peninsula. As always, the conservative/reactionary aspect of power rears its head. As an aside, I am working on a book with my colleague Thomas Johnson, on this very subject…Empires versus Civilizations. In this period, the Magyar/Hungarians choose the Western Church (Rome) in the aftermath of the struggles and gains of the regime of Svato (Svato=Svatopluk). As we have noted, there were many influences from the German/Franks, as well as Rome. Although Svato attempted to follow in the footsteps of his Uncle Rastislav, there was overwhelmng influence from Rome here in Central Europe, which was combined with the Carolingians and the Franks/Germans.  The 1st Bulgarian Empire (997-1014) witnessed the most extensive christianization of the Lower Balkans, yet the 11th century will experience a regression in this Western/Eastern church domination. This is another of the fantastic stories in SE/Central Eurpoe, and it sets up for Stephen’s choice for Rome. The infrastructure is here, left over from Svato, either with or with out the Franks/Germans.

    I wanted to highlight the castle sytem, but it will be of greater import in the next series, the 11th century. As an introduction, we will look at the larger issues about to come to the fore: serfdom and manorialism. Here in Pannonia they are “two sides of the same coin”. In sane-thinking persons, one feeds the other in a circle. Let’s do one and then the other, starting with serfdom.

   Serfdom is an outgrowth of Charlemagne’s legacy, and his death in 814… it probably reaches further back in history, but for our purposes we will start here.  Serfdom was Charlemagne’s avenue to secure loyalty by granting lands to nobles with the fact that those nobles owed him military service. Serfdom became a manner to not only control the “peasants”, but also to provide a modicum of protection for those “bound to the land”. During this era of European history, there is widespread banditry and crimes committed… in short – not a great deal of solace, or security for those “under the radar”. In exchange for protection, the “peasants” became serfs… tied to the lands of the “manorial lord”. This system included being bound by the restrictions of the land to which they worked. Unlike slaves, they were bought and sold according to the place in that they dwelled… if the land was sold (or exchanged in ownership), so were the serfs. Not only did this arrangement restrict their movement, but it brought them under the justice of the manorial lord. As it was, serfs, who are separate from the “free peasant/free men”(& women),  were able to seek refuge in the manorial castle (or house). Being tethered to the land, the serfs were exposed and surrendered their freedom for food, security/protection, and justice apparently supplied by the lord of the demense.(6)

    Manorialism, in a complete change of direction, is a total imposition of human beings; this is a political/economic form of generating military service first, and land production second. Here in Central Europe, these systems arise a bit later than western Europe, where it summarily originated and is already been in place for decades. Tracing the overall development from Western to Central Europe, there is a marked decline in slave-trading to a settled population of those who worked the land – often referred to as “human capital”.(7) Unlike slaves, a serf needed affirmation from the land-holder… even for marriage or any other “life-rite”. This is servitude in its most rigid form.

   This has all been a bit early, but I want us all to be on the “same page when we arrive in the 11thc with our next series of posts. Although, as I have admitted a little earlier… we cannot deny the importance, nor the influences, the churches in the two halves of the settlement of this Europe of ours. Serfdom has many faces in not only Europe as a whole, but here in Central Europe formailization of the “corvee system” became part and parcel to the landholders and the larger areas of the regions.

   We must close the 10th century, and bid farewell to Svatopluk and Great Moravia, yet I feel confident that we have laid the groundwork for at least a grasp of what occurred and the events, and sense of things in the 11th century. I am not so sure that I can quit on Svatopluk so easily. The following paragraphs are all about him and his legacy in the past of Slovakia… the refer to him in each tract, in some way.

    The very first will be the need to remember our histoy, and I say this not only to the Slovaks, but the world at large. History is a living thing. All, or any of the events of the past connect us to the behaviors of people either currently, in the past, or in the future. The vast number of those studying looking into our past, or recording our present are looking for answers. In this modern age, we have witnessed the “inappropriate” or more demeaning to the term “human” than ever before in history of our species. When speaking to anyone about our past, the usual question arises: “what does this have to do with me?”.”or better yet: “who gives a f*<k?”. These are the answers that reveal exactly whyy we’re in the mess that is this “modern-age”. Our past has been tainted and massaged to fit the myth-narrative of nationalism or an idea of supremacy of culture, race, or state. We absolutely must deal with the facts and not the truth. Together they are mutually exclusive, and apart they are their own entities. Fact is not truth, nor vise-versa…The difference is proven by the general philosophical maxim that facts are objective and irrefutable, while truths are subjective and as such differ from person to person. There have been many historians (and others) who play fast and loose with fact and inject their own truths to suit the thesis.

   At the risk of engaging in the trite and banal, I have been guided by the words of the 19th/20th century philosopher George Santayana: “Those who forget their history are condemned to repeat it”. Either way, this is a maxim/adage that has also directed my study of history. I have spent a lifetime looking at the patterns on a macro-historical level. Personally, I believe that the world, as it is today, is what we deserve – as human beings. There are many avenues open to us in not only looking into the past (patterns & trends, scope, methodology, and growth), but also experiencing the present. All are viable certainly, yet we deny these lessons and pursue our futures of these leaders of “abnormal nature” or “abnormal thinking”.  Our past has been shepherded more by conservative thinking than any other ideology. Our most recent past, the modern age has ushered in the past monarchical terms of society, and culture. If we are looking at this properly, we can see the kings and queens replaced by corporations. At current, I am writing two papers/books on this subject. These works involve our past and the manner in which we have been misled in our thinking. We MUST be concerned with the past, and present (a result of the past). Daring to know – “sapere aude” is a benchmark to that which we need to aspire…sadly, modern infornation outlets don’t give it to us. We only hear hyperbole and the exagerration of the “truths”. 

   At this point you may ask, “where are we going with this?”… at this juncture we are dealing with a history that is magnificently overlooked. Historiography has a varied opinion of Svatopluk, no matter what country the “history” has originated from.  I am willing to spend the last two paragraphs (or so) on the legacy of Svatopluk and (“Great Moravia”). In opening my last remarks on Svatopluk and his rule, I would like to suggest the fact that Svato united the Slavic tribes under his own banner – a fact that I may have been remiss to mention in past posts.  Also, as I have made certain to know, Svato checked the Frankish expansion into the “Eastern lands” ((The Treaty/Peace of Forcheim). This essential “Regnum Scalveni”…”King of the Slavs” was able to expand his territories  to the north (southern Poland), and further into Slovakia, west to to Upper Bohemia/east Germany, and south to Croatia (Dalmatia).He nearly pushed into the N/W edge of the Bulgarian Empire.

    You have to keep in mind that these are treacherous times, and Svato was equipped to “out-treacherous” anyone. As I have recounted in past posts, Svato and the East Franks resumed their controversies/conflicts, but not without Svato “supporting”(8) role of Methodius in establishing the Slavic liturgy – approved by Pope John VIII in 880 who issued Industiae Tuae (your work/your efforts – Lat). Svatopluk and his attempts to spread Christianity, whether whole or half-hearted, was crucial for the empire/kingdoms to follow. As Prof. Homza points out in his seminal work: The Handbook of the Oldest Slovak History, Svatopluk’s name becomes the basis for most rulers (and their sons) form the Old Rus in the East, to Bohemia in the W/NW and beyond. The intended use of the many iterations of his name after he was gone is very telling of the value and exalted esteem in which he was held. Here are just a few examples of his name used in the following period: Zwentibald/Frankish/German; Mesco I of Poland (930-992) … Swietopelk/Swentepulk, & his daughter Swietoslawa… in Croatia Svetoslav (Suronja), and in Old Rus… Sviatopolk II was the son of Iziaslav/Yaroslavovich of KIev..aka “the Wise” (+/-978-1054+/-). The cultural significance, or better yet the national iconography of Svato as the “King of the Slavs (or old Slovaks) is clouded in mists of controversy… at least from my standpoint. Svato is a subject that Central European historiography approaches on tip-toes. As I have pointed out in past posts, Svato is both “pivotal” and “complex”. When I push for answers on this place (Slovakia), our past with the Magyar, and an understanding of how to deal with it… I am always told that it is “complicated”. As we go forward into the 11thc…and beyond, my greatest hope is to unravel and dispel the notion that this history is “complex” or “not -easily-understood”, especially in esoteric terms. Svato is the very first to establish the “Slavic/Slovak” ideal. He surpasses all, but not for the reason(s) one might think. While there is no denying, in any absolute terms – or by any metric, there are a parade of characters that have walked across our stage. Ludovit Stur (Shtur), Anton Bernolak, M.R. Stephanik (shteph-onic), or even Pribina are not the most important figures in our history. Yes!…they are important for their particular contributions and furthering of our culture, but in the very end it was Svato that laid the foundation…for not only the Proto-Slovak/Slovaks, but for all things to happen in the following millenia. If you have been paying attention, even at the most cursory level, I have been setting the reader up for the fact that the Slovaks will essentially become “unseen” by the world for quite some time.

   We as Slovaks, at least this writer, and a few others, understand what Svato means to our identity as not only as Slovkas, but as Slavs overall. Svato is celebrated in our national opera as Eugen Suchon has attempted to give us Svato’s personal, moral, political, and religious discord as a human being… this has been my focus – to portray him as a human being. As I close this chapter of our history, I do so with a heavy heart. Researching and engaging in the “side-reading” that goes with it – Svato has become close to me; not only due to his many achievements, but also, and possibly connected to the fact that he was a “flawed man” that had a mission and a vision for that mission.

    Great Moravia was begun in growth before Svato. History is a cruel and cold wind-of-change. Under the strong hand of Svato, we have (as Slovaks) a period in mankind’s history that is completely on the same level with anyone elses. The art, which we will deal with in a separate blog/post, was both hagiographic and iconographic. Hagiography is the written, and Iconography is the visual. Both are firmly focused on liturgical subjects, and developed witht the highest esteem and reverence… with craftmanship evoking the utmost of both; reverence and esteem. I have never agreed with the overall title of this being the “Dark Ages”. (9) Stone churches were built that had been architecturally and artistically on the same footing as the Byzantines or even the western Europeans/Carolingians and their “Gothic cathedrals”.(10) I have posted examples of the craftwork of the artisans of the Steppes, the gilt wear of those from an earlier age, and it was no less than anything in the west. It won’t be until much later that re-interpretation and “revisionism” come into play regarding Svato’s legend (& legacy). Jan Holly comes to mind with his epic poetry in the early 19thc (1828). Beyond that, we could get into the “modern” interpretation(s)” of Svato without any sense of the “5 C’s of historical study”. Never one for nationalism, I view Svato as I  always have; just a man with is flaws, personal demons, and geater with aims and goals. To put Svato in perspective for my Slovak family in the US (all of those of  Slovak descent)… Svato was George Washington, George Armstrong Custer, and Andrew Jackson all rolled into one person. With more time, perhaps my own paper or book, I would love to expound on the merits of a leader like Svato. There are many extrapolations of this man, in my mind he was enigmatic to say the least… beyond Washington, Custer, and Jackson.

   In the next series of blog/posts, I will eschew framing the Magyar/Hungarians as “bad-guys” (the 5C’s) and work tirelessly to present the facts as they appear. The Slovaks/proto/Slovaks may disappear at times from our view, but I will do my level best to keep them exposed, accessible, and convey exactly what took place here in the 1,000 years that the Hungarians held sway in not only the “Upper Kingdom”(11), but the bulk of Pannonia as well.

   As it is the 10th century has closed, and as far as we are concerned it does not abrogate the notion of Svato and Great Moravia as we progress into the 11th century and beyond. There are at least 3 talking points for the Proto-Slovaks/Slovaks in the coming Kingdom of Hungary – they won’t be termed “Slovaks” until late in the 13thc. Firstly, The importance of keeping this ideal fresh is paramount to our understanding of the “Slovak national character”, and going forward into the future Svato retains his importance as the Proto-Slovaks/Slovaks preserve their distinct identity. The next series of blog/posts will deal directly with the consolidation of power by the Hungarians/Magyar, I would like to introduce representative maps to illustrate how this also takes place on a geographical scale. Secondly, while it is so that Great Moravia was Christianized during the reigns of Rastislav (to a certain extent) and Svatopluk, Svato spread the faith to the pagans in the lands of Great Moravia, more or less, and here the difference was that between 874 and 885 Svato was assisted by Methodius and his disciples using the Old Church Slavonic. The various popes praised Svato for spreading the Christian faith and traditions, and as such Svato was given the honorary title of “confessor”. In the coming 11th century, Stephen I will decree by law that all subjects will be “christianized” or else.

   Third in our talking points, is that Svato ruled over a very powerful empire, and similar to my “ragout of historical theory” (a very spicy and heady stew consisting of meats, vegatables, and seasonings). Svato managed to keep the Franks to his west through both diplomacy and military force. Svato established the first Christian liturgy in Slavic through Sts. Cyril and Methodius, and he also centralized his political strength from his seat here in the region… From Mikulcice (Mick-ull-cheat-say) aka “Vellgrad”, as well as Devin and Bratislava Castles, but mainly at Nitra. Trade flourished, including art, and in a few years it all disappeared to return from the dead like a Central European Lazarus, only under new management (Hungarian) and with a decidedly different flavor to the “empire ragout”.

   In the next series of blog/posts (4 parts), we will venture into the  years from 1,000 (+/-) to nearly 1100 (+/-). Looking ahead, I have at the minimum 7 points that I am researching for the coming series: “Slovakia, the 11th Century, & the Hungarians”. My great hope is to publish it by the end of March. I will publish the my draft in a few days in order to allow my readers to see exactly what I have planned; included will be an outline of the “5C’s” of historical study. The amount of time to read, listen, and notate every bit of this information is incalculable.  Yet I remain committed to sharing this history with the world, from right here in Slovakia.

   I am, as always, filled with gratitude and appreciation for those who have been following, and those who have stopped by to have a look at this extraordinary history of ours. From a young age I recognized the immediacy of getting the word out on the Slovaks. What was begun in the 1980’s, under the thumb of the Czechs (Czecho-Slovakia), has now blossomed into a flower garden of varied colors and a myriad of so many possibilities. The longer I stay here, the greater the hope for much more. Our culture, our history and our people must be uncovered to the wider world.

    I wish each and everyone of you health and happiness. Please, take care of yourselves, and take care of one and other

NOTES: (1) In the coming blog/posts, we will visit this phenomena —> “Germans in Slovakia”…                                                                         

(2) The 12th century will find us at least 100/200 years into the “immigration of the Germans”.

(3) I would like to have a separate post on this subject…                                                                                    

(4) In quotation marks because the edges of territory and the ground shifts a great deal over time.                                                                                         

(5)  The “Black Hungarians”…This is a group that deserves their own chapter. They were oppposed to Christianity and any form of centralized government – we will give some attention to them in the next post as regards Stephen I and Christianization.                                                                                                                                      (6) demense: mid-English/Anglo-French… domain. Usually understood as a manorial land held, or possessed by the lord, and not in hnds of the tenants.

(7) “Human capital”; the measurable resource that denotes a person of possessing a marked skill, i.e., knowledge, innovation, productivity, and/or economic growth. In this case, it would be those whose labor(s) suit the crown and nobility.  

(8) This word is in quotations marks because history reveals that Svato was never fully behind the mission of Cyril and Methodius. See the post on related events – 10 Nov, 2025 etal…25, Sep, 2025 

(9) See the videos by the brilliant Waldemar Januszczak and his criticism of the moniker – “Dark Ages”. He is a personal favorite of mine for a sort of plebeian understanding/interpretation of Art, Culture & the history it captures… he can be found on youtube.  

(10)  In time, we will visit this clearly perjorative term. Originally when something was considered “Gothic”…it was considered associated to the “Barbarians”… as it is, we now have this title to describe a period in much more acceptable times…where the art and architecture was deemed to represent a certain kind of mindset. It was not used in the positive sense until at least the late 18thc…early/mid 19thc… again!; we should devote a blog/post to this alone; I touch on this subject in our blog/post on the 12thc.

(11) “Upper Kingdom” is my perjorative expression for this portion of the Hungarian Kingdom… this term is an issue/notation for the treatment of the Slovaks/proto-Slovaks – we will visit this ideal as we progress into the millenium of the “Hungarian Kingdom”.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

   At the time of this publish, my “situation” is in a sort of stasis. As with most governments, there seems to be a “hurry up and wait” mentality. I am still waffling on my travel plans back to the US. It feels to me as if  anything can happen at any time.  As far as our weather, what can I say? It is the same winter I have experinced for the last few year. Some snow, most sleet and cold rain. Most of my time is spent at my crib, reading everything I can get my hands on…with most or all going into my e-book. All-in-all, I am still happier here than in the mess I came from.

                                                                                                                                       

HISTORY NOTES

   At this point, we will attempt to draw a better picture of how the Magyar were able to gain control, “conquer”, or thusly overcome Pannonian power structures other than the remnants of Great Moravia. There were plenty  in place for a new empire/state to establish itself…. forts/bastions/”castles”, quasi-urban centers, & most impotantly churches. All of these entities may well have been established. But I must add, perhaps in remiss, that the societies of this period were highly stratified. With the king/queen at the top, and the Archbishops, or bishops of the church below them.  Following them are a mixture of upper nobility and priests, as well as “vassals to the crown” – military.  What shopkeepers or traders there may been, with the serfs/peasants at the bottom. in a manorial system begun by Charlemagne. It’s general name is “serfdom”, but it comes under the name of  a few others…”bondage”, “thrall” or “thralldom”, or (my favorite) “disenfranchisement”.  I have planned for at least a paragraph or two to bring this concept to the fore.  As this kingdom develops, I will name the most prominent landholders, and the passing of land from the particular noble families…especially here in Slovakia – “Upper Hungary”, or as you will get used to seeing…”the Upper Kingdom”. (my term which I use to illustrate just what we (Slovaks gave to Hungary)

   Without overlooking anything, or anyone…which is nearly impossible,   I have to list the chroniclers of this period. you will see this occur as we are advancing through the centuries of the rule of the Hungarian kingdom over the ethno-linguistic/cultural groups around them. In no particular order, these are the sources from which I am gathering a sense of the time. Perhaps in a later post, I will expound on my aversion for writers or chroniclers that opined from far away, i.e., years later. I would invite any and all readers to take a gander at these chroniclers/annalists… 

• Liutprand of Cremona … (920-972)                                                                       * Porhyrogenitus: “Constantine VII”, “Emperor of the East” (905-959)                                                                                                           * Hrotsvitha of Gandershein (935?- 968/73?) A canoness (woman) who wrote about this period…                                        *Widikind of Corvey (925-973)                                                                                 * Annals of Fulda [Annales of Fuldenses]   (written between the late8th and early 9th centuries) —> many different authors that detailed the end of the Carolingian during the fall of the East Franks.                                                                                                                          * Regino of Prium (?-915) Benedictine monk at Trier, Germany.       * Thietmar of Merseburg    (975-1013) —> gives early insight to the cusp between the 10th and 11th centuries.                            * Gesta Hungarorum – finished 1200/1230…Latin for the “Deeds of the Hungarians” —> Aithor/Anon                                                                                                                                                           

      As we advance into the late-10th century, my aim is to keep all of this from getting too complicated. Unravelling the history as a needle, is more a like a hay stack than a bowl of spaghetti. If you were able to find the needle in a bowl of pasta, it would be much easier than a massive haystack. Not to spoil the forthcoming posts, but it will only become far more labyrinthine. The kingdom of Hungary will play on “force over diplomacy when it comes to those in the lands that they “conquer”.

    Here, we must expose the inter-connectionedness of the tribal worlds. In a nod and hope for understnding for my friends, and readers in the US, there is a co-relation between these tribal habits and the First Nations if the Americas. There were still “Shaman” among the Central European tribes who were in pockets of paganism. These are leaders who were wise men, they were just in counsel and as military headmen. In the Native American culture, there were “chiefs” that were not only medicine men, but also leaders of the military arms of the tribe (Dog Soldiers…etc), and in the tribes of Central Europe there were no less. Arpad (1) was one of these people.

   At this moment in our history, we must bid farewell to the Pechenegs. By the end of the next century, they will have become assimilated into the growing Hungarian=influenced lands.  They will be cast off after many defeats in raids or wars.  They had become an “annoyance” or a “threat” to the Byzantines or Kievan Rus. By the end of the 11th century, the Pechenegs, having been virtually annilhilated by the Byzantines  at Levounion in 1091, and  with help from the Cumans,the Pechenegs were “absorbed” into the cultures of not only the Bulgarians and (future Romainian lands), they would be named in many Hungarian towns. They will be referenced in the next few post/blogs, but they will be overcome in historical record by the Cumans… of whom we will see plenty in the next blog/posts. The history of the Pechenegs is a surprising twist and turn. They formed alliances with Byzantium, and at a few points in their history turned against the Byzantine Empire.

     As I have recounted in past posts, the beginnings of the rule for the Hungarians is descended from Arpad down through to Stephen I; which is revealed in in this make-shift flow chart —> Zoltan (Son of Arpad) —> Fajsze (Arpad’s grandson) —> with Taksony followed by Geza (father of Stephen). All them were “Grand” or “Crown” princes. In the next series of posts (Slovakia in the 11th century… Stephen will be our focus. Prior to that point, there will be a Part IV in this blog/post series. I have previously exposed a few of the topics we will discuss.

    It would seem as thought one of my many listed influences are gone, the Pechhenegs, but there are still so many to fill the gaps and times of our current era going forward into the 11th century. Now we have, through the “process” of history,  a few remaing powers. As such, it will come down to the later “3”; 1) Kievan Rus, 2) Bulgaria, and/or the Churches (Western & Eastern). The Cumans will prove their own meddle as time goes on.

   During the time that has passed, from Arpad to Stephen I, the Magyar/Hungarians had been, more or less, quietly working to keep their place here in the Carpatho-Pannonian region. As our historical record from past posts have pointed out, they (Magyars) have been present in this land since at least the time of Rastislav (or earlier). As a result of their mercenary service to the three major powers of the time: the 1st Bulgarian Empire, East Frankia, and Moravia (“Great Moravia”).  In this sense, they are very familiar with the “lay-of-the-land”. Following the tumult of the events after Svato’s death, and a victory at Bratislava (Pressburg, Brezalauspurc, or Pozsony); their (Magyar/Hungarian0 control over the Pannonian/Danube Basin was complete.

   Here, in this land, that of the former Rex Sclavorum/Svatopluk: everything was in order. The Western Roman Church was established and there were already “Kings” already implemented. While there may have been  a few years between the reign of Svatopluk and Stephen I, the infrastructure of a “regal land” was in place. Further below, in the lands of S/SE Central Europe, the Eastern Church was in place.

   To close this blog/post, I want to point out that all of my readings about Moravia (Great Moravia), have pointed to an infrastructure that allowed the Magyar/Hungarians to move right in and take the space as they saw fit. The trade routes were still in place. The “Baghdad-to-Cordoba Road (corridor) was still in tact. A space in time was still theirs to exploit. Along with all of it, there is ultimately the legacy of Svatopluk, which we will end with in Part IV of this series. In my opinion, there was not one European county that has  history that the Slovaks have experienced here in Central Europe(2). My greatest hope is to reveal it to you as we go forward in time.  In our last series of this blog/post, there will be a few ideas, and events that I would like to bring to the fore. They will be: 1) the need to remember our history…even though it has occurred behind us, 2) I want to introduce the “castle system” and its role in medieval Central Europe, 3) How serfdom, manorialism, and the whole system that the Hungarians put into place… as well as the the Religio/Political influence of both churches (Rome & Byzantium), & 4) The the imperative mission to keep Svatopluk’s memory alive, as well as his legacy. I may unearth other topics as I continue to look into our past here in Slovakia.

   On my way out, I would like to give my deepest thanks of appreciation, and highlight those who are instrumental in this endeavor of mine. Many are longtime reader/followers, and are of particular note for giving me consul and good-tidings. Firstly, my dear Sister Sue (Suzka), my Brother John, and my Daughter Ana. My cousin Randy, and his wife Sandy, as well as many family members – most notably my dear cousins Patricia K, & Chris H.  For wise consul, I have to give a nod to my old buddes John M. (a Slovak-American) and Jeff P. Also I cannot forget my good friend John M., legal counsel and friend to all. To two of the best friends a man can have Gregory R., and Brian R… as well as Vera and Amy M, and I would hate to miss “Mickalooch”, or Tommy D! The list is endless, but I am thankful to all of those for backing, questioning, and ultimately waiting with me as I hope to learn my fate here in the land of my ancestors. To my ex-wife, and her Brother Jascyk, a deep lode of thanks. No more deeper appreciation can be given than the debt I owe to my benefactors…Vlado S, Vlado A, and Prof. Martin H. I cannot leave out Prof. Konig, without his good cheer and guidance I may be adrift; the “Wednesday Night Archeology Clubs are a highlight!… when I am able to get there.  Without their belief in what I am doing, my existence here in Slovkia would be empty. To all of my Slovak friends and family here in-country, I am eternally grateful for my dear Sisters Silvia and Katka, and “my guys” Danko H.,  Ico (ee-cho),and Boris P. – that means you! I would be lacking in memory if I do not mention the many coffee-houses and krcmas where I am able to do “my work” in peace…. Keps, Cafe Mondieu, Dolnozemska krcma (kerch-ma), and 100 Piv (“The Hundo..as we call it), deserve a mention.; as well as Michal and all of krcma’s young ladies are always so kind, Nastia, Tani, Sashka, Emka & Anastasiia, Viky and Ilia as well. At “The Hundo” the staff have also  become friends, with Olinka and Ondrej (owners), as well as my good bud Erik and Eva. The cast of characters at “The Hundo” include Richie and Cynthia, and I don’t want to disclude Mirko, Martin or Pista (peesh-ta). Lastly and not at the least are my English students, among my favorite is Kristoff Gregor! A wonderful young writer and a true poet-of-our-time…they all have endeared me to them and this experience. These haunts of mine have great staffs and a nice atmosphere to work in. At this point, I am sure that most of my readers know that I am preparing for a return to the US. I will not be happy about it, but I will go undaunted, and none-the-wiser. My idea to retire here is a “non-zero-sum game”, which in my eyes is a gain for the Slovaks, and a win for me. I am the one with complete enrichment. This “European experience” has been nothing short of a dream come true, although I have yet to see some of the places I originally hoped to see. Yet without this cast of my family, and good friends playing on the world stage, I am not sure I would be able to remain so positive. My love and most sincere gratitude to each and everyone. (3) (4)

   As ever yours, I wish for you to be healthy and happy. I am grateful all who have taken the time to read these missives. Until we meet again, please take care of yourselves, and take care of each other.

   Notes: (1) Arpad was, according to Porphyrogenitus, had been the “first prince the Hungarians (sic) had at any time”. Some call it “conjecture” (on Porphyrogenitus’ part), but I’m going to take it. The apparent crowning of Arpad was at the behest of  the Khan of  the Khazars, since “he was greatly admired for wisdom, counsel, and valour… capable of this rule” as a prince. We may have visited this powerful semi-nomadic aggregation of Steppe nomads, which influenced the Magyars of the time (pre-Hungarians), and lasted for 3/4 hundred years as a power. See: Andrei Babushkin… Khazar Khaganate: “A Failed Alternative…” (2021)                                                                                           (2)In our following blog/post (11th century Slovakia) I will explain my reasoning why we (Slovakia) are “Central European” rather than “Eastern European”. This will be a devoted blog/post.                                   (3) We also return to “Umbrella Moments” in the next series… on the 11th century Slovaks.                                                                                                           (4) More maps and photos will be coming in the next blog/post                                                                                                                     

  

   We are beginning to experience Winter here in Bratislava. Most of the trees, especially those along the Danube, have either taken on an autumn brilliance, or have become devoid of leaves. Temperatures have slowly descended into the the single digits Celsius – 7/8/9- (below 50 Farenheit), and we are expected to receive a “frozen mix”/ rain day-to-day through Christmas… which will be ina few days time. As I was born and raised in the Midwest of the US, this seems late, but I will take it. I have begun a new book with Prof. Homza, and it is such a great joy to read and learn as I am doing “my work” for him. I am still absorbing as much as I can about Svato…. (Svato=Svatopluk), and although we (you & I) will be moving beyond his reign in the coming blog/posts, I will be referencing Svato a great deal. His legacy and legend extend far beyond the borders of either Great Moravia, or our present modern state of Slovakia, which had grown out of most of Great Moravia. As an aside, I was able to get to the “Wednesday Night Archeology Club” – Club Archeologica Istropolitana, and saw a fascinating lecture re: Neolithic sites in Vrable-Velkie… SW Slovakia —>all headless burials!  It left me with more questions than answers about the earliest populations of Slovakia. Zuzana Hukelova was very well-versed and knowledgeable about the subject; and she also stated that it left them with “more questions than answers”. I feel, in hindsight, that I gave the earliest history of Slovakia only a cursory “once-over”, and perhaps we can return to it at some point.

HISTORY CORNER

We will see in later posts, that many had copied Svato’s arrangement of not only his military and commercial bodies, but  his religious  administration as well; this includes the Magyar/Hungarians and Mesco I, (Mieszko I) of Poland, as well as The Kingdom of Bohemia (13th c.) and so many others from the mid-Middle Ages onward. It will be quite some time before before any sort of “state-borne” jurisdiction of laws and legality are created and enforced – for now it is the church  in Rome that exerts overall people-to-people justice. (1)

   As many of the tribal entities turned from the “clan-based justice” of paganism to the “moral-based” justice of the Christian church, so too did Rome begin its religio/political march through Central and Southeastern Europe…. even though it was well established in much of the region. More of this in a following post of this series…  (Part III…See Note: “2”)                                                                   

Following the death of Svato, there is internecine tumult between his sons Mojmir II (eldest), and Svato II (youngest)…. so much for the “bundle of twigs parable”.  From an earlier post, we know that Arnulf of East Francia had become the “Carolingian King” after overthrowing his uncle – Emperor Charles “the Fat”.

   Now that Arnulf of Carinthia is “Emperor of East Francia”, he is in a sense emboldened and crowns his son Zwentibold (German for Svatopluk), “King of Lotharingia”. For the uninitiated, Lotharingia contains our modern-day/ Lorraine (France), Germany (west of the Rhine river +/-), virtually all of both Belgium and the Netherlands. I believe, adding insult-to-injury is the fact that Zwentibold is/was considered “illegitimate”  (he is the son of Arnulf & his mistress “Winburg”), and as an aside, if not mentioned prior, Zwentibold is also the godson of  Svato I, because as we know,, both Arnulf and Svato were considered “close”. There were many occasions in which they both were friends and adversaries.

   As we have mentioned in earlier posts, Arnulf had turned away from securing the frontiers of his kingdom in East Francia, the failing hull of Great Moravia – Pannonia, and it may well have been the dagger-in-the-heart that fells the old empire of Svato.We have visited this “folly of history”; Arnulf turned to the west and engaged the Norsemen in 891 +/-, and this occurs about 3 years prior to the death of Svato. Still, even at this point, Svato was only willing to give Arnulf “material support” against the Northmen… not an iota of military backing”. Yet this move to secure the western edge of Francia, it would have repercussions, in that there was a “less-than-full-strength” Bavarian/Frankish army in Great Moravia, and the lack of balance in power, and may have worked in the favor of Svato during the last years of his reign. We will be considering the legacy of Svato for quite a few posts into the future.

   This is quite the story; one that has played out in the many scenes of  civilizations and empires. Play-by-play, act-by-act, and scene-by-scene… the transfer of power between father and sons has never come to a good conclusion. In this particular saga, the end is not in the favor of the proto-Slovaks/Slovaks; not only do both sons of Svato I (Mojmir II & Svato II) die before 906/907, but Great Moravia becomes subsumed under the tourbillion (maelstrom) of the times, and various territories;  most impotantly to the greatest extent by the incoming mass of Magyar over the Carpathians from the east. Again, I caution the reader; the Magyar have been here for many years, filling the void of the Avars and alongside the innumerous tribes to fill the lands between the Tatras and the Danube… whether in Great Moravia, or in the service of the Franks, Bavarians… or for whomever would pay for their mercenary or martial indulgences. (2)

    Nonetheless, by the beginning of the 10th century (900’s AD), with the Magyars moving into the lands of Pannonia, and yet, as I have posited in prior posts, the Magyar have been here already. As Great Moravia began to grow, to reach its apex, and then dim like a fading mist in the morning sun, the Magyar were busy inculcating themselves into the very fabric of this region. As we know, they were mercenary cavalry for the highest bidder. As with most of the nomadic tribes from the Steppe, the Magyar were skilled at horse-borne warfare, and thus were devastating to opponents. As the years pass, and the Magyar are employed by the various powers in Pannonia, so goes their prowess in warfare, and then in the politics of our region.

  

   There are many interesting turns of consequences, which provide for a parade of “what ifs”, but we must attend to that which we know. As someone who is 1/2 Slovak, the turn of the past, has influenced me deeply, as well as the lands to the north, the Baltic countries and thus the lands where the Danube flows into the Black Sea. From my point of view, it comes as no surprise to me why this region, in this period, is not given even a passing interest in the classroom. At the risk of “blowing-my-own-horn”, I was at odds with teachers and Professors in my “European History” courses… from High School all the way through  to College.

   Late in High School – Senior year – I became incensed with this history of ours…Slovakia. This country, these people, and the idea of “being a Slovak”, became an obsession. Under my Mother’s aegis, I then began to look at the wider global-view of history. Above, beyond and inside of this, dwelled my interest in both Central Europe, and Eastern Europe. My best friend and I had a misplaced love affair for the Russians and their literature. I undertook every class in College that dealt with Russian history, both early and post-tsarist Russia with a keen . I am now sure that the ideals of that period in the history of mankind (1917 to…?) is an anomaly (a separation from the norm). As with most “revolutions”, the Russians never had a “revolution”, it was very similar to every “revolution” in history… one power replaces another with a different look – but the same goal —> power in the hands of one or the few.  So then to return to our subject-at-hand, what we have here in the 10th century is a further-reaching and absolute tranfer in the power. The coming of the Magyar/Hungarians will be a distinct “other entity” in the way in which the power of Central Europe will be governed. Yes, there will be a king, and aristocracy, but the Hungarians extend their reach by essentially either “conquering and colonizing”, or overrunning an area completly. We will have a look at this  in our next 3 parts, as the Magyar/Hungarians will upset the balance of power here in our region.

   There are many imteresting turns of consequence(s), which provide for a parade of “what-ifs”, but we must attend to that which we know. The events of the past has left a lasting influence on this entire region – from the Baltic Sea to the lands in which the Danube flows into the Black Sea. In the end, we will end this blog/post with this idea: the early 10th century (900-910?), the Franks (Bavarians) devoted themselves to regaining a foothold after the Battle of Bratislava (907), alas the fighting force of the Magyar(s?) was too powerful, and thus devastated Pannonia. As things stand, there are a few political entities that will hang in the balance as the 10th century opens. One of them will be the 1st Bulgarian Empire…which falls due to the many growing powers around it….the Magyar to the NW, Pechenegs & Kievan Rus to the NE, and the Byzantine Empire to the S. All to be brought to light in the coming blog/posts.(4)

   In hindsight; Context and Causality?, this entire region becomes upset by the march of the Magyar. Apparently, according to some historical sources (3), the Magyar “invade” the Carpathian Basin and take over. I truly believe this is one of the “myths” of history. We know very well that they  (the Magyar) have been here for many years now… taking over from the Avar horsemen. There is always a need to backtrack to the past. We (you and I) will remain firmly planted in this age…. the 10th century… we MUST always keep “Context & Causality” in the fore. Although I am “letting go” of Great Moravia, it may well be the standard for myself, and the proto-Slovak/Slovaks; It will be difficult for me to NOT refer to the 9th century…going forward.

    As we continue to excavate the bones and remains of the past. I hope some of you have been as pleased with reading this post, as I am with writing it. Ours (the Slovaks) is a history that no one knows and I believe I owe it to the world to see it, as I have seen it… both in research and having lived here for some time now. If there is anyone you may know that would be even remotely interested in this past, send them here to this sight… I remain in your obligation.  I will always and ever give my deepest thanks to Dolnozemska Krcma (Kerch-ma), Jazztikot, and Sto Piv…”One-Hundred Beers”…I call it “The Hundo”. Without these places to write and research, I could possibly be lost. Each place has a home in my heart, with many conversations about Slovak history, some great music, and above all, some of the best people I could ever encounter. Thank you Michal (Dolnozemska/and staff), thank you Ondrejko, Olinka (Olga), Erik, Mirko, and Evicka (Eeh-veech-ka) (Sto Piv), and my best to Petko (Petr) and his staff at Jazztikot. It is in the cafes and krcma that the writing of this blog/post occurs. The ideas come from Prof. Homza, Prof. Konig, and some friends that believe that our history must be told.

   I am continually star-struck by what I am learning about our history here in Central Europe. At the end of the 9th, and the beginning of the 10th century, the proto-Slovaks/Slovaks will embark on a metamorphosis that could well impact the history of those around them. Folowing Svatopluk, a specific arrangement takes place. The ensuing political entities (Duchies, Empires…etc) will fall under the administrative, military, and commercial influence of Svatopluk here in Central Europe (from the Polish into the south – Slovenes/Croats, and the Adriatic.. not to mention the growing Bohemian/Czech kingdom to follow. While historical “revisionists” may have their say, the proto-Slovak/Slovaks will endure beyond the oppresion of the Magyar/Hungarians.

   I am thankful and in deep gratitude to those that have taken the time to stop by and read this humble blog/post. I thank each and everyone of  you for looking in. As we go forward with this “history-of-ours”, I will work harder to include the “proto-Polish”, the “proto-Slovenes”, the “proto-Croats”…etc. I use the quotations not out of contempt, but out of the possibility that they have not become a cultural, or natural force of yet, The 10th century is a deciding factor within the existence of Central Europe; “faith and Rome” will decide what takes place here.

   I wish each and everyone of you peace, love and understanding…”what’s so funny about it?” Until we meet again, prosim…please take of yourselves, and take of each other.

  

Notes:  (1) This subject will be further explored in coming parts of this series (2)…. Part III takes a look at the phenomenma of the Magyar in Pannonia… including the “religio/political influence of the Church in Rome, and the manner in which the Magyar/Hungarians were capable of gaining support from Rome. (3) I Will attempt to limn them out in the Notes of  blog/post….Part III                                                                                      (4) Part II will include the following: * the 1st Bulgarian Empire, * the Pechenegs, * Kievan Rus, & * the Byzantine Empire. Why are their existences key…in any way, shape, or form?

   

  

  

   

       

         In the last week or so, I have had an epiphany of sorts. After reading quite a few authors about the study of history, I realize that I am at first a writer (thank you Barbara Tuchman, Simon Springer, David Graeber and David Wengrow…et al) and I am going work harder at any notion of being a “historian” going forward. If my sarcasm and lack of “feeling” for what is happening here, at this time, are an indication… thusly I will make no excuses. I will work the facts as they are pertinent to our discussions, but I am skeptical of how the history here occurs, and thus, how it is perceived.  It is that very perception that drives me. I am going to apply myself to the the aforementioned on the writing aspect of these blog/posts. I also wish not just simply to include our history, but the history around us as well. Here, in Central Europe,our history is  (and has been) connected to our surroundings, but the influence from the edges is just as telling as our own history here inside of Slovakia. Until some time in the mid-Middle Ages there is a shortfall of accurate chronology, or true literate understanding of what has occurred here. The chronicles of those observing our history are most often given to us through he-said/she-said effrontery, that is unacceptable by my terms. As a Pholosphical Anarchist, none of what will occur after Svato’s reign will sit right in my craw. As we follow along the path of the Slovaks, you may detect a hint of sarcasm in my voice. It is a result of many years of research and attempting to understand what exactly happened here.

HISTORY CORNER

In our previous blog/post, we parted after the passing of Svatopluk (sveat-o-plook), henceforth “Svato”,  in 894. I would like to weigh in on this and the conjectural mystery surrounding his demise. Most chroniclers assert or contend that Svato died in battle. Simon of Keza, for instance, reported in the 13th century that Svato perished in battle near Kornye in northern modern-day Hungary… S/SE of Komarno, on the right bank of the Danube. While the Annals of Fulda (a chronicle witten by and backed by Bavarians, Franks/Germans… always critical of anything not Frankish or Germanic), notes that Svato, “who was the source of all treachery and exhorted his men to not be lovers of peace but continue on with enmity (ill-will) toward his/their neighbors”. The Annals of Fulda  will also mention, in a less dramatic fashion, that Svato faced “a most unlucky death”… [Note: author’s paraphrasing] As the Franks/Germans (take your pick) had a near-abhorrence for Svato. there is the other side of the legend’s presentation; the Abbot Regino of Prum , tells us that Svato “was the wisest man among his people and of very cunning spirit…lived to his last day”. [Note: Author’s paraphrasing… Regino’s story is fascinating, and worth a look.]

   Since we have at least two conflicting contemporary “chroniclers”, as well as some writing from time past; the myth and legend of  the death of this powerful Slavic King – owner of the title “Rex Sclavorum – King of the Slavs”  (given by Pope Stephen V) has no firm or factual basis. Svato’s death is surrounded by many narratives; some that exalt him and others that bemoan him. We could devote an entire blog/post to the many sides and interpretations of his reign. While his life may have been well-followed, his passing was an event that compelled many to pile on and either revile and rebuke him… Or like this writer to celebrate his reign and see it for what it did here in the “pre-Magyar” religio/political setting of the early Middle Ages. To some Svato was a base and blood-thirsty womanizer, and to others Svato was a man, who with all of his faults presevered, and by the sheer force of his will brought the lands of Great Moravia into his control. Under the aegis of the many Popes in Rome, Svato thus was able to stave off  most of the ambitions of the East Frankish rulers/”emperors”. Svato’s strategy of working with and against the Franks, was genius, as they were a perfidious (deceitful/untrustworthy) lot, not unlike our dear Svato.

   Here, and at this point, we must deal with the legacy of Svato’s rule, and what it may mean to Slovaks who are currently interested. As I mentioned prior, with his faults, imagined or real (he was a man after all), Svato managed to not only keep a “kingdom”, but also to expand the borders of this kingdom, and exert this control over those within it.

    Just so you know what you’re looking at: Great Moravia (833-907?) covers all of the modern-day Czech Republic, virtually all of Slovakia. The smaller geographic regions are as follows: Lusatia (modern-day Germany &Poland), Silesia mostly Poland and some portions of Germany  (Eastern), and the Czech Republic (NW),  Wislania (or Vistulnia/home of the Vistulans- those that life near the Vistula River S/SW Poland), Pannonia, which we should all be familiar with by now,  which would stretch into the E of Hungary, NW of Romania & N areas of Serbia. All in all, This was a vast area here in Central Europe, Encompassing entire swaths of modern-day countries, and portions of others —> Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Serbia, Slovenia, Romania, The Ukraine…and perhaps a bit of some others. These regions are still the subject of historical debate. Perhaps, as we continue to delve into the shared history of the Czechs and Slovaks – this issue will remain…”who successfully claims Great Moravia?”. I sincerely promise to keep this issue alive and breathing… for it will go on for centuries.

   

   Yet we must continue with the legacy of Svato’s reign. In doing so, we must detail the myth of the Magyar/Hungarians in that Svato sold his holdings of Great Moravia to the Magyar for a white horse; Svato was said to have given water, earth and seed for the lands of his reign. How far-reaching do the Magyar ( I refuse to see them as “Hungarians yet”) have to go to advance the myth of their origins? To add to this myth, Svato was supposed to have disavowed the covenant (or “contract”) with the Magyar by fleeing from them and drowning in the Danube…another of the great “creation-myths” of the Magyar. So it goes… on and on that the Magyar merely take over Slovakia because their King was untrustworthy and essentially sold his country and all Slovaks into ” an eternal serfdom”. The truth lies truly in another interpretation of how the Slovaks were abandoned to their fate by Svato, unfortunately this message continues on until the end of WWI and still after…the Hungarians never let up. To be sure, the Magyar have been here for some time, essentially not in great numbers, but they were here nonetheless. This a subject we will visit in our next blog/post., after a few last words on Svatopluk.

   What we will see is a form of “romantic revisionism” that comes from the earliest of the Magyar “sort-of-chronicles”. The Gesta Hungarorum” is very easy pickings because it was written as some sort of an “entertainment”, and not as a historical or “factual chronical” (3)

   In the end, I want to cover two very important questions that still linger in my mind. 1) What does Svato’s reign mean in the larger context of  the “proto-Slovak” history than remains after it?… and 2) Is it possible to quantify what Svato means in the overall existence of the “Slovak-spirit”, or zeitgeist beyond this particular period of history?

    1) The period of the Great Moravian Empire (833-907?), is a slice of history that contains a sea of pride for those that include it in their “national memory” (3). While many have claims to its territory and past-life, this was the last “super-territorial entity” that would exist for the Slavs in our portion of Central Europe. In and during the downfall of Great Moravia under Svato’s sons, the East Franks  also lose out to the Magyar/Hungarians. For what will seem like many centuries, the epic of Great Moravia becomes buried under the soil of Magyar rule. The kingdom of Bohemia’s rise is soon to follow, and it will be one of the longest-lasting “kingdom” in Central Europe (1198-1918/ 720yrs +/-). Yet, because Great Moravia has its past in their crown-lands, the Czechs also lay claim to Svato. In all fairness, the name “Slovak” hasn’t been invented yet, but the Slavs have been recognized as a particular type of people by botht he Eastern and Western churches. The proof  is in the fact that Cyril and Methodius were known as the “Apostles to the Slavs” by both sides of the Christian church, the Old Church Slovanic is a testimony to their work in not only our region, but far and wide. In the late-12th century, the Czechs first mention us. So, we graduate from a “proto-Slovak” bearing to a “national memory” (4)of peoples with a common space, and a common history – Svatopluk.

    There are many sides to this enigmatic Rex Sclavorum – “King of the Slavs”. While many small “pagan enclaves” existed, Svato was able to bring Christianity to the lands of Great Moravia. Another raw edge that we cannot forget is the relationship between Svatopluk and “Bishop Wiching (Viching?), and the subterfuge commited by said “Bishop”. The paradox of Svatopluk’s reign is difficult to grasp for our “modern minds”, but we cannot allow our mores and lack of knowing the “5 C’s of History” to cast judgement on him. We are unable to judge exactly how or why the events unfolded as they did, but we must realize one thing: the early medieval period was a brutal era in history. Might and force ruled, and without it, you could not reign over people, or a territory. As we will see going forward, the rise of many a kingdom was dependent on brute force, loyalty among your ranks (army, dukes, princes…etc), and a certain paranoia…I think. At this point, I will close this blog/post with the idea that Svatopluk was in every sense of the phrase – “a man of his time”. Any cursory look at this period in history, will allow the reader an understanding of what I am alluding to.

   As it is, following the death of Svatopluk, both Great Moravia, and the East Frankish “kingdom” come to an end. While many scholars point to the internecine rivalry between Svatopluk’s sons, and the failure of Arnulf to exert any sort of power against the coming of the Magyar, there are still quite a few other factors to consider, and we will face these ideas in the coming 4-part series. It is my hope to keep outlining the events here that make our history not only unique, but also a portion of the larger pallette of the painting that will continue by the various participants (as “painters-of-history”).

   I look forward to hearing from my readers, and accept all comments, honestly and openly. I am invested in bringing this history to the whole world, for there are very many that think of Slovakia as anything more than hockey players and automobiles. Hopefully, I will be able to post the start of my next series within the two next weeks. Until we meet again, please take care of yourselfs, and take care of each other.                            

NOTES:

(1) Prof. Homza delves into the mechanics of this subject in The Handbook of the Oldest Slovak History…Chapters 15 & 16                                                                                              (2) Constantine Porphyrogenitus (905-959) chronciled this deathbed “3-sticks fable” re: the 3 sons in “On the Administration of the Empire” (De Administrando Imperio). He was Constantine VIII, the 4th Byzantine Emperor (reign 913-959). Another chronicler writing after Svato’s death. Yet Constantine was prolific, and is noted for writing at least four books that are known. De Administrando Imperio was meant as a domestic and foreign policy “how-to” for his successors. This an interpretation of the Aesopian fable regarding division among inheritors, compelling them to stick together against all odds.                    (3) There is a great problem here for me, as the “chroniclers” really don’t seem to capture what has exactly happened, or grasp what is going on in the regions they are writing about. Their is a great gap, and/or a bias of the events (history?) that occur regarding the subjects they are attempting to write about. Thus, this is the “curse” of a particular age of history(4) “National Memory” is a specific rubric. It is different than “Collective Memory, in that “National Memory” is equated with the identity of a nation/state, and carries with it cohesion, and the narrative (or myth) of a certain country’s founding and background. “Collective Memories” are more narrow in scope, as they deal on a smaller scale, i.e., family, community, and organizations. The result is that “national memories” are “collective”, but not all “collective memories” are national.