Making Livonia

This book examines the historical development of Livonia, focusing on various actors and networks from the late twelfth to the seventeenth century.

This volume delves into the intricate history of Livonia, focusing on the diverse actors and networks that shaped the region from the late twelfth to the seventeenth century. Livonia, which corresponds to present-day Estonia and Latvia, underwent significant transformation during this period due to conquest, Christianization, and colonization along the north-east shore of the Baltic Sea. These radical shifts have garnered increasing scholarly attention in recent decades, yet the dynamics between old and new structures and actors across a longer timeline remain less explored.

In Making Livonia, the authors aim to investigate these complex interplays, shedding light on how various individuals and groups navigated the changing landscape of power, belief, and culture. By concentrating on the interactions between different societal elements, the book seeks to provide a nuanced understanding of how Livonia evolved over centuries. The narrative emphasizes the significance of these networks in shaping a society that was increasingly complex and diverse.

On a deeper level, Making Livonia aspires to uncover the foundations of a multifaceted and heterogeneous society on the medieval and early modern Baltic frontier. This exploration of 'the making of Livonia' not only enriches our understanding of the region's past but also highlights the broader implications for studying similar transformations in other historical contexts.