The formation of dynasties. Memory and house laws in the case of the Counts of Holstein-Schaumburg, Lippe and Waldeck (1300-1650)

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The role of noble dynasties in pre-modern history has long been viewed by scholars as significant. They were focused on both as a framework for passing on and safeguarding power, property and land, as well as agents in the process of state formation. Far less is known, however, about the internal negotiation processes of dynasties, and questions regarding how a dynasty formed and established itself in the first place. The project is based on the premise that processes of institutionalisation began in the late Middle Ages finding their expression in the formation of a distinct memory culture and certain norms and practices that rearranged the relations between the noble family members. Using the example of three comital houses (Holstein-Schaumburg, Lippe, and Waldeck), which are comparable with regard to their social, economic and political status, this project analyses the different strategies of dynasty building. Dynasties are understood in this context as social institutions in terms of strengthened social relations that were symbolically displayed by specific forms of internal representation such as historiography, memoria and art, as well as regulated by the implementation of house laws. Furthermore, the project analyses how the dynastic values and norms, which emerged, affected the individual family members practices. The underlying assumption is that the nobility succeeded in holding its social and political position in the dynamic early modern society by strengthening the dynastic order. At the same time the important role of conflicts, violations of norms, and the struggle for interpretative sovereignty in this formation process is stressed.