Zur Praxis des Judenschutzes im Meistertum des Deutschen Ordens zum Ende der Frühen Neuzeit

Abstract The article deals with the practice of granting protection in the Franconian possessions of the Teutonic Order. In the early modern period, the examined area was a dominion characterized by structures of small-scale ownership, disputed dominion rights and unclear borders. The Jewish population lived distributed over the entire area in specific focal points. Branches with shared local rulers were of particular importance. The right to settle was nominally granted by the Hochmeister and Deutschmeister. Obtaining protection was associated with an official process for which defined patterns of action were developed. It formed a communication and negotiation process that was conducted across various administrative levels and was characterized by a close exchange between Christian and Jewish actors.