II. Apafi Mihály bécsi ravatala
The Catafalque of Michael Apafi II in Vienna

Summary/Abstract: In the course of research several sources were found concerning the funerals of the Apafi princely dynasty. The 17th century texts on the funeral of the Prince of Transylvania Michael Apafi senior (1632–1690) have been published 6 years ago. I am planning to publish in a next volume the text on the whole family from the 17th to 20th century. The funeral rites of Michael Apafi were planned to be performed according to tradition. However, politics intervened. Namely, the Prince did not have an unquestionably acceptable successor. Nevertheless, when Michael Apafi the senior died, his son, Michael junior (1676–1713) was only 14 years old, under the age threshold necessary for playing a leading role, which was at this time 20. Consequently, a power vacuum developed and the potent Transylvanian Estates had to choose between a great many forms of interregnum and a provisional government under the authority of a protector. Michael Apafi junior was constrained to move to Vienna, and died there in 1713. Through his death, his family line also died out, therefore a different funeral rite should have been organized. This didn’t happen because in this case it was a disturbing fact, a complicated political constellation occurred. His catafalque and delivery of the body to Transylvania symbolizes this kind of misfortune.

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