Riga: A History (part 2)

Under Bishop Albert

Once he had control of Riga, Albert started the Order of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. This was open to all nobles and merchants who lived or worked in the city.

Emblem of the Order of the Livonian Brother of the Sword.

As conversion of the Livs continued, Albert also oversaw the fortification of the cities defences and Emperor Philip made Livonia part of the Holy Roman Empire. Filip also wanted to establish a permanent military presence and he and Albert divided the Livonian lands between the Church and the Order.

Albert used his considerable influence with the Holy See to ensure that all German trade with Livonia had to be done through Riga. Riga minted its first coins and Albert used the tax revenue to build the Riga Dom cathedral, laying the cornerstone himself.

Riga Dom Cathedral

Riga however was not fully secure as tribes from the lands north of the city were still trying to attack the ships and Albert himself led a delegation which compelled them to allow the ships free passage.

The merchants of Riga sought to be more independent of the church and eventually in 1221 they acquired the right to administer the city and a constitution was adopted.

Also in 1221, Albert made a deal with the Danish King Valdemar that allowed the Danes to take control over large areas of Estonia and Livonia. The Danish had been instrumental in protecting Riga from Livonian insurrection when German reinforcements could not reach the city.. A year later Albert was able to negotiate the return of the Livonian lands to his control.

Valdemar II of Denmark

Albert's difficulties continued however because in 1225, the Pope proclaimed that the citizens of Riga would no longer have to pay taxes to the Bishop and that they had the right to elect the cities magistrates and councillors, something Albert had had prior control over.

Albert died in 1229. He had failed to be made archbishop, but he left an legacy of German dominance that would last for 7 centuries.

The Seal of Bishop Albert

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