Tafelrunde

The Tafelrunde, also known as the Round Table, was a significant political and diplomatic institution established in medieval Germany during the 13th century. It originated under the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II (r. 1212–1250) and was formalized by his successor, Rudolf I of Habsburg (r. 1273–1291). The Tafelrunde served as a council of nobles, clergy, and free cities that advised the emperor on matters of governance, law, and policy.

The council was named for its practice of holding meetings around a large, circular table, symbolizing equality and collective decision-making among its members. While its exact composition varied over time, it typically included representatives from powerful duchies, bishoprics, and free imperial cities. The Tafelrunde played a crucial role in maintaining order within the fragmented Holy Roman Empire, which lacked a centralized authority.

By the late Middle Ages, the Tafelrunde’s influence declined as the empire became increasingly fragmented, and regional powers gained more autonomy. The council was formally abolished in the 16th century, though its legacy endured in the tradition of imperial assemblies, such as the Reichstag. Today, the Tafelrunde is primarily remembered as a historical symbol of medieval German governance and diplomacy, reflecting the complexities of imperial administration in a decentralized political landscape.