Old Knights and New Teachings: The Reformation in Riga

Abstract

This chapter demonstrates the impact of new ideas on old arrangements in late medieval Riga. During this time, the restlessness of the 1520s brought an end to the Catholic Church's spiritual dominion over the city of Riga. Indeed, the Reformation was no impediment to Riga's growing material prosperity and in no way diminished the authority of its German elites. During an era when established authority was under challenge and neighboring dynastic states sought to expand their power and influence, it fell to the Livonian Order's long-reigning master, Walter of Plettenberg (Wolter von Plettenberg), to defend the feudal state and keep the peace in Riga. He later became the German emperor's appointed prince of Livonia between the years 1526–1535.