Peace, joy, marriage affairs – Maximilian I at Harterfeld in Sarasdorf

From this elevation you can see a historic site! The phrase Tu felix Austria nube! is also known to many non-Latin speakers. “You, happy Austria, marry!” Maximilian’s father starts dealing in Habsburg marriage politics early, marrying his son to Mary of Burgundy to secure the Netherlands. Maximilian’s children are in turn married off to those of Isabella of Castile, thus annexing Spain.

Maximilian I, the last knight, does not have an easy time, with the Turks threatening his empire and squabbles over supremacy within Europe. Peace deals with neighbours, ideally sealed with marriage contracts, seem to be the wisest path. In July, 1515 - following years of preparation - the time comes. Maximilian meets with King Vladislaus of Bohemia and King Sigismund of Poland on Harterfeld at Sarasdorf. The meeting ceremony is well planned and takes place exactly halfway between Vienna and the Hungarian border.

Eyewitnesses describe a huge entourage: 2,000 men in twinkling armour and red skirts, 800 members of the imperial court in gold and jewels, herolds, trumpeteers, drummers, princes, pages and servants. The aging Emperor is brought forward in a litter, accompanied by nobles and court chancellors, the treasurer and even Jakob Fugger the Rich, all dressed splendidly. The rearguard includes an unbelievable 8,800-man cavalry with plumes waving. The kings of Bohemia and Poland approach with no less pomp.

The peace agreement is sealed with a marriage contract. In a magnificent double ceremony in St. Stephen’s cathedral, King Vladislaus’ son and daughter are wed to the Habsburg grandchildren and the foundation stone is laid for the Danubian monarchy. Without realising it, they so determine the balance of power in Europe for many centuries to come.