The Diaries of Caspar Meuseler from Tallinn
The Diaries of Caspar Meuseler from Tallinn

Summary/Abstract: The history of Tallinn (Reval), the capital of the Republic of Estonia, can be characterized as hybrid and diverse. The castle Lindanyse, built by local Estonian tribes on the Cathedral Hill, was captured by the Danes in the 13th century. The area around Tallinn remained in Danish possession for a century; after that the German crusaders gained control over northern Estonia. However, already during the Danish period German merchants had arrived in Tallinn to make use of the promising location of the harbour, which was on trade routes between Russia and Western Europe. Along with these changes the town developed a remarkable linguistic diversity, since it was inhabited by Germans, Estonians, Danes, Finns, Swedes and Russians. Nevertheless, the official language of the town was German and the Germans were at the top of the social hierarchy2. This situation remained unchanged even after the Germans were defeated by the Swedes in the 16th century. Although the political framework changed, the Germans still maintained control over major decisions in the life of the town.

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