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.

 

                                                                                                                                  

   We have been getting crushed by a heat wave the last couple of weeks. While the humidity isn’t “Chicago-style”, the lack of air conditioning in most places makes the heat a bit of a trial. As I may have mentioned, the evenings can get quite muggy, but the humidity seems to dissipate by mid-morning. I am happy to say that I am venturing to the far-flung corners of our little burg, and I seem to find a different flavor to each. Last Friday, I went with my dear friend Erik to eat at one of best places for meat, Maso od Romana (meat from Roman – the owner) in Nove Mesto. At the northwest of our city, not out of it, and a cool tram ride. I had a lot of fun and was back in my cool apartment before the day got too hot for me. I am finally in good standing after my dumb mistake in early June, and I have my passport precedings “in the pipeline”. Life is good here. I miss my family and friends very much, but there are many aspects of the US that I don’t miss. My study of our history is paramount to me, and being on the ground here makes it that much easier. I am really trying to learn the language, but I decided that I will “officially” go to school when I return from my short visit to the US – upon receipt of my passport. Getting back and having the chance to see my Grand-daughter firstly, and the rest of my family and good friends. I am still haunted by all of the material that I have been reading about Svatopluk, and I hope to at least capture a bit of the sense of our past with this iconic and monolithic character. Now on to the History Corner.

       HISTORY CORNER

   I want to begin this History Corner with a focus on how enigmatic and uncanny – if you will -the behavior of Svatopluk (sveato-plook) has proven to be, for at least myself. We have touched on the “Peace of Forcheim”, and following that Svatpluk was endowed with “carte blanche” to expand his empire. In the grand scheme of things, it was made easier by the fact that the Franks/Germans, were forced to turn their attentions westward as the Norsemen (“Vikings”) were exercising their own expansioinist policies toward the European continent. Rarely known is the fact that Charlemagne, and his successors, had to apply their forces to the west to deal with the Norsemen. Tracing the Norsemen from Scandanavia, across the North Sea, and also the Baltic Sea, we can see how far-flung their exploits and incursions had become. Besetting a myriad of polities and cultures, these sea-borne people impacted an uncounted number of histories. In a way, this could have been included in our “Umbrella Moments”; I just feel that it is very important to point out the fact that the Norsemen will not only impact Western Europe, but also Central and Eastern Europe, as well as the Black Sea and the Mediterrranean Basins.

As it is, I cannot find any connection to Svatopluk and the Norsemen… but running through this period is a Christianity motif that will be a definite influence for another 5 to 6 centuries. It is known that Svatopluk was “Christianized” into an earlier “Latin Rite” (See * Notes), part of the Roman Catholic Church, and yet there are questions that remain in my mind. There are moments that Svatopluk doesn’t exactly support Methodius; he doesn’t seem entirely behind the Old Church Slavonic – nor its clergy, and doesn’t stand up to the Pope (John VIII) for Methodius and the Slavonic liturgy. The brothers, as I have mentioned in a past blog/post, did not want to sow any bad blood, or discord among those they were preaching to. This is the demeanor of these two men from Thessaloniki. They just wanted to complete their mission among the Slavs and spread the word of Christ.

I hate to backtrack here, but I must. By 880, Methodius had traveled to Rome (Cyril had passed in 869), and he was so persuasive that John VIII changed his mind and allowed the use of the Slavonic liturgy. There is a well-known letter by John VIII; known as “Industriae tuae” (Latin: your industry…or “your work”), in which he states that Great Moravia was confirmed to have an archdiocese. This letter was in all actuality an assent to Rastislav’s reign.

   At this point, because Methodius will only be with us until 885, and the gift that was given to the Slavic world is virtually impossible to quantify from any standpoint. The meaning of their work in modern times is the innumerable amount of worshippers here in the Slavic world, and and elsewhere on the globe. Thus, we must go aside from Svatopluk for a moment, open the wider subject of the difference between the Cyrillic and Glagolitc script, and most importantly to lay to rest the legacy of the Saint-Brothers.

   The mission of the “Holy Brothers/Apostles to the Slavs”, have become much more than societal and cultural. Even though at different periods the brothers were evicted from and asked back into Great Moravia, their legacy continues to this day… more than 1,000 years later. As we have narrated the early story of Cyril and Methodius in past blog/posts, and we have stayed current with them in the 9th century, we would be remiss if we didn’t discuss the difference between the Cyrillic and Glagolitic scripts and their influence on the following Christian faithful in Central, Southern, and Eastern Europe. Near the end of our current period (late 9th century), the Cyrillic script was created in the South Slavic regions for the Christian populations – including Serbs, Croats, Bulgarians, Macedonians, Slovenes, Bosniaks and Montenegrins. Their homelands engulf most of the Balkan Peninsula, and their geography is bordered by the eastern Alps (Austria), the Adriatic Sea (also on their west), and the Black Sea on the east. The Romanians are the odd one out here – their language and culture have its roots in Latin, not Slavic.

   On the other hand, Glagolitic script fit the Slavic speech pattern (or phonemic system); but to this day it is used in specific cultural and academic milieus. While Glagolitic was the first form, Cyrillic, based on Greek script became the overwhelmingly more popular choice. It is estimated that more than 250 million people are using Cyrillic as their national/religious script. From Macedonians northward, up and around to Serbia, Bulgaria, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia (out and out). As a matter-of-fact, the last Glagolitic text was printed in the mid/late 1920’s.

   Cyril and Methodius may not be the most common name for a parish church, but it is thanks to them, and only them, that the Slavs have the Scriptures in the their own language. In the United States alone, by now (2025) there are almost 4.5 million people of Slavic descent that are worshipping in their mother tongues. At this point in our conversation, we arrive at the cultural heritage, and the “European values” identified with those who are followers of this Christian tradition from the Slavic world. These Saint-Brothers influenced the cultural development of European nations, and they laid the foundations for Europes cultural – significantly in many modes and aspects. Their representation of European civilization, i.e., human dignity, tolerance, democracy, freedom of thought, conscience, religious expression, the rule of law, and the right to a fair trial. This is the legacy of Cyril and Methodius. They promoted mutual understanding, cultural dialogue, and unity of the various regions they applied their mission to. Cyril and Methodius have THE singular claim to Slavic identity over any other cultural, or political entities.

   It would appear to me that Cyril and Methodius should be mentioned with the earliest influences of the development of the European civilization in the early Middle Ages.. the same breath as Charlemagne, the Roman Catholic Church, or even the Byzantine Empire (from which they sprung). As we will see, the Slovaks, and a multitude of others, would be driven to defend the rights of this Christian mission, for nearly one thousand years. In the end, Cyril and Methodius continued on the difficult journey of bringing “the word” to the Slavs of Great Moravia, and the surrounding areas. As noted prior, they just wanted to carry our their mission without getting involved in the vicious politics of the German/Frankish clerics, and furthermore, they were averse to cause any discord or calumny. [See Note **]

   We return to Svatopluk after Methodius’ passing in 885. Prior to that passing, Svatopluk had added vast amounts of territory for his Nitra-based Great Moravian Empire. 886 places us in Svatopluk’s only known bishopric with its seat in Nitra, and from this site Bishop Wiching (Viching?) takes control of the church and tosses Methodius’ disciples out of Great Moravia. No suprise there; the German/Frankish/Bavarian priests once again return the church to the Latin-based liturgy. Onto this stage, we bring Arnulf of Carinthia, and introduce yet more subterfuge, and back-stabbing. At this point in our history, there has been a revolt among the East Franks, and Arnulf is “elected” as king of the Franks. His power-base remains in Bavaria. In Part III of “In This…My Little Eden”, we will take a further look at the last years of Svatopluk, Arnulf, and the Great Moravian Empire. It is very important that the legacy of Cyril and Methodius comes to be bared for all to see. The Slovaks in the US owe a great deal, especially those that are able to hear and disseminate the the Slavonic Liturgy. Many of the oldest descendents of Slovak parents still attend services in a “Slovak-centric” church. There is still a great deal of history to discover before the Magyars overrun the Pannonian Basin. I am determined to lay out these past events in the simplest terms. I can only provide the who, what , when, and where. It is to rest upon the reader to draw the “why” from this limning out of my sketch of our past here in Central Europe.

As we bring this part to a short close, I want to thank the many, and those who have generously contributed my writing of this blog/post. As always, the bistros… Dolnozemska Krcma, and especially Sto Piv. I am allowed to sit for hours and take notes, hijack their wifi, and engage with both the servers (most of whom have become friends), and the customers. I owe so very much to the people I have become friends with, and their input into the thinking behind this blog/post. Always, my my most sincere thanks to Prof. Martin Homza and his guidance, as well as Prof. Thomas Konig.  Just as important is Vlado Andras from Zlaty Jelen, and my dearest friends Silvia Josifoska and Daniel Halcin. Their combined instruction has given me a great deal to consider, and an avalanche of material to comb through. At some point I will enumerate the incredible and vast list of those that have given me help through the toughest of times, and have given me guidance in the pursuit of my Slovak passport. My acknowledgements will include my family and friends in the US as well… without whom I would not be able to “chase this dream”.

I thank all of those whom have followed, come by, and/or found me in a search. I look forward, as always, hearing from our readers in comments. Please, don’t be shy; tell me how I am doing, tell me what you think, and feel free to ask a specific question. Until we meet again, please take care of yourselves…and take care of each other.

  

*Notes –> Latin Rites”…aka “Western Liturgical Rites”, were/are used by the public outside of the Central/Eastern churches. The Eastern churches changs the arrangement od these rites, and the issue of the strength of the Pope (“Papal Primacy”), along with the “Filioque clause”.

**Notes —> Saint Peter & Saint Paul Lutheran Church is still serving those in service in my own hometown of Blue Island, Illinois. This was my own Grandmother’s church… she was Protestant (Church of the Augsburg Confession).