Memory of the World
The “Golden Bull” – All seven originals and the “King Wenceslaus’ luxury manuscript copy” of the Österreichische Nationalbibliothek
The Golden Bull of 1356 is the most important constitutional document of the Holy Roman Empire At that time the Empire included territories which today constitute several European countries Austria Belgium the Czech Republic Germany the Netherlands Slovenia Switzerland or parts of them France Italy Poland It was the creation of Emperor Karl IV who wanted a constitutional framework for the election of a new king whose succession had often been a source of dispute or war The Golden Bull is on a par with the Magna Carta 1215 as it was crucial for the political development of Germany Austria and Bohemia and for the stability of the Holy Roman Empire
Germany, Austria -