The ennoblement of Gdańsk patricians in the second half of the fifteenth century and the early sixteenth century

Abstrakt

The Thirteen Years’ War of 1454–1466, fought between Poland and the Teutonic Order, resulted in Pomerelia and Gdańsk becoming part of the Kingdom of Poland. In recognition of Gdańsk’s contribution to the war effort against the Teutonic Order, the King of Poland, Kazimierz Jagiellończyk (Casimir IV Jagiellon), awarded the city four privileges. Issued in the period between 1454 and 1457, the documents granting these rights formed the keystone of Gdańsk’s exceptional political and economic status, not only in Royal Prussia, but also within the Kingdom of Poland. It was at that time that Gdańsk gained significant autonomy in administrative, judicial, and financial matters as well as in determining foreign (maritime) policy.