Herrscher Und Eliten Zwischen Symbiose Und Antagonismus

This volume brings together nine studies that deal with forms of communication between supreme rulers and elites. Using case studies from East Asia, Europe and South America between the 2nd century B.C. and the 16th century A.D., the interdisciplinary approach opens up a transcultural perspective on a global phenomenon. By examining various facets of communication such as understanding, consultation, rituals and ceremonies, but also criticism, it can be shown how supreme ruling powers in the pre-modern world were dependent on the support of their elites and how these elites in turn often found themselves in an ambivalent situation between competition and cooperation both among themselves and in their relationship with the rulers.