How It All Began

What is a modern state?

When people think of a state today, they envision a clearly defined territory precisely demarcated by borders. In addition, a constitution, administrative bodies, legislative bodies, and judicial branches, as well as democratic structures, shape our conception of modern statehood.

Statehood in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, all these aspects are scarcely discernible; one can speak of statehood only to a limited extent. Rule once functioned quite differently. There were no precisely defined borders, nor did medieval territories have a sophisticated administrative or governmental apparatus. The exercise of rule was closely linked to the personality of the respective ruler. Furthermore, medieval rule was based largely on the ownership of land; those who owned extensive estates usually also possessed numerous subjects who were bound to provide service and pay taxes. At the same time, the ruler could transfer these subjects to his vassals, in return for which he was assured of their loyalty and support in the event of a conflict. Personal contacts and connections thus played a role of immense importance during the Middle Ages.

The County of Ravensberg Is Established

All of this also applies to the emergence of the County of Ravensberg, which gradually took shape beginning in the 11th century. In 1070, Count Hermann von Calvelage, a native of the Vechta region, married Ethelinde von Northeim, the daughter of a prominent Saxon noble family. While Hermann brought his parental estates into the marriage, Ethelinde also received a substantial dowry, namely land holdings in the area between the episcopal cities of Osnabrück and Minden. On a ridge in the Teutoburg Forest, the couple built a fortress: Ravensberg Castle. From then on, their descendants and heirs took their name from this castle complex; the line of the Counts of Ravensberg was established. The very beginnings of the County of Ravensberg can thus be traced to the second half of the 11th century. However, it would be several centuries before this territory reached its later extent, and before fixed borders and tentative administrative structures gradually took shape. Nor was there, at that time, any sign of a comprehensive judicial system. Thus, the beginnings were modest and had little in common with our modern understanding of statehood.

The Castle Ruins

Ethelinde of Northeim

A noblewoman tells the story...

It all began with Ethelinde of Northeim. In 1070, this daughter of a distinguished family married Count Hermann I of Calvelage. Her parental dowry laid the foundation for the establishment of a new domain in the region between the bishoprics of Osnabrück and Minden near the Teutoburg Forest: the County of Ravensberg. Narrated by Cornelia Rössler.