Michael Weiß (politician)

Michael Weiss (1569-1612)
17th century drawing

Michael Weiß (also spelled Michael Weiss, born in 1569, in Mediasch, deceased 16 October 1612, in Marienburg) was a Transylvanian Saxon politician and historian. He is mostly known for being the mayor of Kronstadt (modern-day Braşov, Romania).

Early life and political ascent

He was born in Mediasch (current-day Mediaş, Romania) as the son of mayor Johannes Weiß and his wife, Gertrude Wolf (whom would both die of the plague in 1586). He went to the local elementary school, then, in 1583, aged 14, attended the courses of the Jesuit school of Klausenburg. During the two years spent there, he learned Hungarian, and progressed enough as to be able to write poems in this language.[1]

Shortly, he began his political career, as secretary of Count Ferdinand von Hardek, and then by working for the Hungarian chancellor office in Prague. He was noticed by Emperor Rudolf II, who ennobled him in 1589, at the age of only 20.[2]

In 1590, he returned to Transylvania. He was chosen in the Assembly of the one hundred in 1591, then in 1594, as representative of Kronstadt in the Transylvanian Diet (the political and constitutional organ of the principality) and in the Senate, in 1600. As representative and senator of Kronstadt, the voivodes István Bocskay, Sigismund Rákóczi and those of the Báthory family sent Weiß in several diplomatic missions, including to domnitor Radu Şerban of Wallachia.

Michael Weiss described Şerban as being "wealthy, cunning,[3] and very skilled in the craft of war".[4] In 1606, the wallachian prince invited him to take part in several hunting and fishing trips, for two weeks. During this time, it appears they have discussed political issues of common interest, the results of which will be seen five years later.[5]

Legacy

In memoriam

In 1887, Nonnengasse (Nun Alley) was named after its former mayor.

On the list of historical monuments created by the Ministry of Culture, at number 976, code LMI 2004 BV-IV-m-A-11919, is The Monument of Saxon Students fallen in Battle in 1612. Built between 1912–1913, it commemorates the 39 young students that died near Marienburg.

After 1989, DFDR Braşov has reinstated the tradition of commemorating and honouring predecessors through a celebration at the forementioned monument.

Literary works

Besides the poems written in his youth, Michael Weiß has left behind a few writings of importance with regard to his contemporary Kronstadt and Transylvania.[6]

It is also worth mentioning that all the documents of the Weiß family have been donated to the patrimony of Johannes Honterus high-school of Kronstadt.

References

  1. ↑ Cărturari braşoveni, p. 226.
  2. ↑ Cărturari braşoveni, p. 226.
  3. ↑ in the sense of able, diplomatic
  4. ↑ Muşatcu, p. 29.
  5. ↑ Muşatcu, p. 90-91.
  6. ↑ Cărturari braşoveni, p. 226-227.

Further reading

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