The Elbe Serbs in the Age of the Ottonians (Part 1)

The article comprehensively reevaluates the historical fate of the Serbian communities from the area between the Saale and Mulde rivers in the times of the Ottonian dynasty. The research objectives included considering their role in the system of international relations of the first half of the 10th century, with particular attention paid to their position in the conflicts between the Ottonians and the Magyars, the Dalaminzi, the Hevelli, & the Czech principality of the Přemyslids. Based on analysis of the political situation in Central Europe and suggested reconstruction of the episodes of collaboration of the Elbe Serbs with Henry the Fowler, the author rejects the widely spread stereotype about the domination of the pro‑Hungarian orientation among the Slavs of the discussed region. The chronology of integration of the territory between the Saale & Mulde into the Duchy of Saxony has been specified, and its periodization has been suggested. The author challenges the interpretation of Henry I’s deployment of the Saxon troops and military infrastructure in the region to the east of Saale after 921 as part of the narrative of conquest and enslavement of the Slavs, arguing that the measures were caused by the necessity to defend Saxony from Hungarian raids as well as the need to resist the alliance between the Stodoranian dynasty & the Czech Přemyslids, and accepting E. O. Schulze’s view about further persistence of the autonomous Serbian principalities through the 920s–940s. Proceeding from the identification of agrarii milites mentioned by Widukind of Corvey with the Slavic vethenici-withasii, the article reveals the Serbian context of Henry the Fowler’s military reform, explores its social consequences, and traces its impact on the integration process in the long‑term perspective. Ultimately, the study deals with the introduction of direct Saxon rule and the foundation of ecclesiastical institutions in the Saale-Mulde region. It describes the burgward system, the Ottonian colonization, and the state of the indigenous Slavic population. The key features of the Ottonian ethnic policy in the newly incorporated lands of White Serbia have been outlined. Following K. Hengst and G. E. Schrage, the author pointed out the use of Slavonic in official & private communication, recognition of the Slavic legal tradition in court practice, and preservation of the initial economic and social order of the Serbian communities, as well as the engagement of political elites of the Elbe Serbs to the new administrative structures.