John of Viktring facts for kids

John of Viktring (born around 1270, died 1347) was an important writer and political advisor during the Late Middle Ages. He was known for his historical writings and for helping Duke Henry of Carinthia.

John's Early Life and Role

John was born into a noble family, possibly from the area of Metz in Lorraine. He received a good education focused on religious studies. On February 15, 1312, he was chosen to be the abbot, or leader, of the Cistercian monastery called Viktring in Carinthia.

Because he was very smart and respected, John became friends with important noble families and government officials in Carinthia. He worked as a chaplain (a religious advisor) and a trusted secretary for Duke Henry of Carinthia. In 1330, John even traveled with King John of Bohemia on a journey from Innsbruck to Trent, likely on behalf of Duke Henry.

Political Changes and New Roles

After Duke Henry died in 1335, John traveled to Linz in Austria. He went there to help Henry's daughter, Countess Margaret of Tyrol. Margaret wanted to keep her father's lands, and John tried to argue her case to Emperor Louis IV.

However, Margaret's efforts were not successful. Two dukes from the Habsburg family, Albert II and his brother Otto, took control of the Carinthian lands instead. Viktring Abbey then came under the rule of these Austrian dukes. They also recognized John's skills and often asked for his advice on important government matters. John stayed in Vienna as a trusted secretary for them until 1341.

Writing His History

In 1341, John decided to leave his political work and return to his quiet monastery in Carinthia. He wanted to write a history of his own time. He also served as a chaplain for Patriarch Bertram of Aquileia.

John's Important Writings

John's most famous work is a chronicle, or historical record, called Liber certarum historiarum. This means "Book of certain histories."

Different Versions of His Book

The original version of his book, which can be found in a manuscript in Munich, tells the history of Austria and Carinthia from 1230 to 1341. He dedicated this version to Duke Albert II. For the earlier parts of his history, John used information from other medieval writers like Ottokar from Gaal and Martin of Opava. For the more recent events, he used information he had gathered himself during his many travels.

In 1342, John made his book bigger. This new version covered the history of the Holy Roman Empire starting from the year 1217. He rewrote it again in 1343, this time beginning with the Carolingian period. This last revised work is known through a later collection called the Chronicon Anonymi Leobiensis.

Why His Work Matters

John of Viktring is considered one of the most important chroniclers of the late Middle Ages. He was a very educated man and knew a lot about ancient Latin and Greek poets. His writing is clear and easy to understand. He also gave fair and unbiased opinions on the events happening in his own time. He was influenced by the historian Otto of Freising (who died in 1158). In his chronicle, John criticized Emperor Louis's policies against Rome.]