Nightbringer | The Arthurian Online Encyclopedia

Styria

German: Steiermark

During the time of the Holy Roman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy, Styria was a duchy. Today, it is one of nine federal states (Bundesländer) of Austria.

Perceval’s grandfather Gandin, the ruler of Anjou, appointed his daughter Lammire (Perceval’s aunt) to rule this land. Lammire married Meleranz, who became king.


Styria | 0 to 9th century AD

Pre-Roman and Roman Period
The region of present-day Styria was inhabited by various Celtic tribes before the arrival of the Romans. During the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, the Romans established their presence in the region. They built roads, fortifications, and settlements, which had a significant impact on the local culture and infrastructure.

Migration Period | 4th – 5th centuries
With the decline of the Western Roman Empire in the fourth and fifth centuries, the region witnessed the influx of various Germanic and other tribes, including the Ostrogoths, Huns, and Lombards. This period was marked by migrations and upheaval.

Bavarian Settlement | 6th- 8th centuries
The Bavarians, a Germanic tribe, began to settle in the region that would later become Styria during the early medieval period. This marked a shift in the cultural and linguistic makeup of the area. The name “Styria” itself is believed to have originated from the term “Stem,” which referred to the border of frontier, reflecting the region’s strategic location.

Frankish Rule and Carolingian Empire | 8th – 9th centuries
By the eighth century, the region of Styria came under the control of the Frankish Empire, which was part of the Carolingian Empire under Charlemagne. The Carolingians established a system of governance that would later contribute to the development of the Holy Roman Empire.

Christianization
During this period, the process of Christianization began in the region, with the spread of Christianity and the establishment of churches and monasteries.


Sources
Parzival | Wolfram von Eschenbach, 1200–1210
Garel von dem blühenden Tal | Der Pleier, 1240-1270