Das Kanzleiwesen der Stadt Neisse bis zum Jahr 1400
The Chancery of Town Nysa untill 1400

Summary/Abstract: This paper deals with the beginnings of the chancery in Nysa and its activities in the 13th–14th centuries. The town, founded at the beginning of the 13th century, was one of the earliest locations (foundation) in Silesia. The first mention of the municipal scribe (notarius Niznensis) in a document from the year 1268 (the document is one of the earliest in the region). The status and activities of the scribes, however, remain an important topic for research. A number of sources from the 13th century reveal a high degree of literacy, and anawarness of the benefits of written records, especially concerning proprietory contracts. From the same period comes also a unique judicial record, i.e., the oldest proscription list in Poland. An introduction of the vernacular language in an urban chancery can obviously be regarded as a breakthrough in the process of literacy. Compared with other Silesian chancery staffs, the scribes in Nysa were characterized by an exceptionally strong conservatism, and they did not stop using Latin until the 2nd decennium of the 15th century. Reasons for this delay deserve the special attention of scholars.

• Details
• Contents