|
Riga |
||
|
Riga is not a large town. I think the inhabitants are calculated at twelve thousand; four-fifths of whom are Germans, the reminder English, Swedes, French and other nations. Andrew Swinton: Travels into Norway, Denmark and Russia in the years 1788, 1789, 1790 and 1791. London 1792. |
|
|
|
|
||
| Bishop Albert of Bremen founded Riga in 1201. The building of the cathedral began in 1211 as a buttress for Christianity in heathen regions. By 1236 the Christian Knights of the Sword had conquered the local population. In 1282 Riga became a member of the Hanseatic League, and the city quickly became one of the most important ports for trade with Russia. Riga passed into Swedish hands in 1619. With his headquarters in Riga the great Swedish castle-builder Erik Dahlberg built fortresses throughout the East Baltic area. In 1710 the city had to surrender to Russia after a siege of eight months. Today Riga is the capital of Latvia. |
|
|
Exhibits
175
Wolter von Plettenberg, the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order in Livonia. Cast of the original statue from the first half of the 15th century, formerly in the Order’s castle in Riga.
Plettenberg ruled the Teutonic Order’s state with a firm hand. After Ivan III had captured Novgorod, he reinforced the Order’s castle in Livonia.
Burghofmuseum, Soest.
176
Plan of the Riga fortifications with the castle and the citadel, 1690. Hand drawing.
The first German settlement was furnished with defences of wood. Around 1400 the city was surrounded by a 2.2 km long wall which in time reached a height of 11-13 m. During the Polish-Swedish War (1600-1621) the city came under Swedish sovereignty in 1621.
Krigsarkivet, Stockholm.
177
Bird’s-eye view of Riga and Karl XII’s crossing of the Düna in 1701. Print.
Karl XII crossed the Düna on 19th July 1701. The river was blocked by the Saxon General von Stenau with 12,000 soldiers. The 15,000 Swedish soldiers built concealing covers of straw, and were thus able to pass without being discovered. Then they attacked and defeated de Stenau’s army.
Krigsarkivet, Stockholm.
178
Sword from the 12.th century, probably belonging to a crusader.
Historical Museum of the City of Riga.