The Holy Roman Empire (HRE, or simply: the Empire) has been equated with “A Thousand Years of Europe’s History” (Peter Wilson). It has seen both bullish and bearish periods: not only in its history, which according to common periodization lasted from 962 CE to 1806 CE, but also in the historiography dedicated to understanding, explaining, and evaluating this political entity in the middle of the northwestern fringe of the Eurasian land mass. We seek a better understanding of different perspectives on the HRE by placing side by side „portraits“ of the Empire as shaped by – and, in turn, shaping – different historiographical traditions. 

What do we see, as viewers and painters of the imperial portrait? Chaotic Hydra, legal monstrum or empty glory? 

This conference brings together scholars of medieval, early modern, and modern history to compare and debate characterizations, from Spain to Switzerland to Scandinavia and beyond.

Participation:
If you are interested in joining our discussions, please register until February 1, 2026: portrait-hre-geschichte@clutterunibas.ch

Organisation:
Dr. Maximiliane Berger and Dr. des. Sabrina Rospert