ABSTRACT
The crusade against Livonia and the conversion of the local population were direct causes of the German settlement in Livonia. The rulership of the Teutonic Order in Livonia has so far been treated only in some of its aspects; most studies have concentrated on the relations of the Order with other powers in Livonia. This chapter analyses the communication between the town and its ruler in the sphere of legal formalities, such as the town's privileges and oath of allegiance. It focuses on the confirmation of privileges and the oaths to the ruler, in order to see what kind of turning-points they signify in the history of relations between the Teutonic Order and Reval. The Teutonic Order confirmed all the privileges of the town which had been given by the Danish kings. The confirmation of the privileges of the town by the ruler is connected with the homage of the town.
