Karl Harst facts for kids
Karl Harst (born 1492, died 1563) was an important person from the 1500s. He was from a region called Alsace, which is now part of France. Karl Harst worked as a diplomat, which means he represented his ruler in other countries. He was also a humanist, someone who studied ancient Greek and Roman texts to understand human nature and improve society.
Harst was a friend and helper to a very famous scholar named Erasmus. He even adopted Erasmus's ideas, which were called Erasism. Harst often worked as a messenger for Erasmus, carrying important letters and documents.
Early Life and Education
Karl Harst was born in 1492 in a place called the Free City of Wissembourg. This city was part of the Holy Roman Empire, a large group of lands in central Europe.
He received a good education in several important cities. He studied in Cologne (in modern-day Germany), Orléans (in France), and Leuven (in Belgium). These places were famous centers for learning during his time.
Working with Erasmus
From 1524 to 1526, Karl Harst worked closely with the famous scholar Erasmus. Harst helped Erasmus by traveling to different places like Italy, the Low Countries (which include modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands), and England.
In 1526, Erasmus sent Harst on a special mission to Italy. His job was to find and bring back an old Greek handwritten book, known as a manuscript. This manuscript contained important writings called Homilies on Acts by a person named John Chrysostom. This mission was successful, and Harst brought the valuable manuscript back.
Later, in March 1527, Erasmus used Greek manuscripts collected by Harst and another scholar named Hieronymus Froben to publish his own book called Lucubrationes. This shows how important Harst's work was in helping Erasmus share knowledge.
A Diplomat for the Duke
Starting in 1530, Karl Harst began working for the Duke of Cleves. A duke is a powerful ruler of a small territory. Harst became a trusted helper to the Duke.
In 1539, a letter described Harst as a friend and an ambassador for John III, Duke of Cleves. An ambassador is a high-ranking diplomat who represents their country or ruler in another country. Harst served as the Duke's ambassador to Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, who was a very powerful ruler in Habsburg Spain.
Harst also worked as a representative in London, England. He was there during the marriage of Henry VIII of England to his fourth wife, Anne of Cleves, in 1540. Anne of Cleves was the sister of the Duke Harst worked for. Harst stayed in London until 1544, continuing his important diplomatic duties.
