Wilhelm Andreas Baumgärtner

Transylvania (or Siebenbürgen) is one of those lost spots in history. Without an observer and readers did it even happen? Baumgärtner offers a good account of the troubled history of Southeast Europe from the 13th century to the catastrophe of Mohacs in 1526. He focuses on the region, as Transylvania mostly suffered the consequences of actions that happened elsewhere. Fortunately for Transylvania, the brunt was absorbed by Serbia and Wallachia. Transylvania's purpose was to supply men, money and provisions. Its history is thus a dangerous play between repelling invaders and evicting tax collectors and usurpers. Dealing with the multi-institutional alliance of Hungarian nobles and German cities (called "Universität") caused the Hungarian kings never-ending and distracting troubles. Nevertheless, Transylvania held and protected Hungary's left flank throughout the period.… (plus d'informations)