Publications
Registers of citizenship as a source of urban migration in late medieval Bardejov
Late medieval citizenship registers from Bardejov reveal significant patterns of urban migration, offering unprecedented insight into the movement and integration of newcomers. The study identifies key factors influencing citizenship acquisition, including place of origin and occupation, while also highlighting the challenges in interpreting these records due to their fragmentary nature. A notable focus is on the migration of scholars, particularly those who transitioned into notarial roles, providing a unique lens on the intellectual mobility within the town. This research contributes to understanding urban dynamics during this period by leveraging historical documents to trace career trajectories and social integration processes.
Historik Ferdinand Uličný a dejiny stredovekého Bardejova
A recent reassessment of historian Ferdinand Uličný's contributions to medieval Bardejov studies reveals that his foundational work from the late 1960s established enduring research themes, while later debates—particularly over King Béla IV’s 1247 charter for the Cistercians—challenged some of his interpretations. Pavol Hudáček’s broader source analysis now offers new perspectives on Bardejov’s early history and the contested charter, highlighting the evolving nature of medieval Slovak historiography.
Episcopal Power and Authority in Communication with the City of Bardejov in the Late Middle Ages
A study reveals how bishops of Eger exerted power and authority over the medieval town of Bardejov through tithes, judicial cases, and symbolic rituals. The research demonstrates that disputes over tithe collection were common between parish priests, town representatives, and bishops, often resolved through episcopal machinery. Additionally, ecclesiastical courts occasionally overshadowed town law in judicial matters, while episcopal presence in religious ceremonies reinforced their authority. The study also highlights the role of episcopal vicars in representing the bishop's power, providing insight into the complex interplay between ecclesiastical and municipal governance during this period.
Spory o česť, rituály násilia a konflikty v stredovekom Bardejove
A study of medieval Bardejov reveals that conflicts over honor and dishonor were prevalent among town citizens, guild members, and clerics, often escalating from slander to violence. Preserved 'threatening letters' provide unique insights into the strategies used by conflicting parties, including town authorities, to issue warnings and state intentions of harm. The research combines analysis of legal sources with judicial practice to explore the role of violence in everyday life and the tactics employed by authorities to mitigate conflicts. This dual approach offers a nuanced understanding of crime dynamics and authority responses in late medieval urban settings.
Hydraulic Review of the Flood Protection Measures in Bardejov
A hydraulic review reveals that the current flood protection measures in Bardejov, Slovakia, are insufficient to mitigate even historical flood events like the 2010 disaster. Using mathematical modeling of open channel flow—both steady and unsteady—researchers assessed the impact of existing phase I protections on proposed phases II and III, which extend upstream and downstream. The study, conducted in HEC-RAS software, identified critical gaps in flood defense along the Topľa River, particularly in areas not yet addressed by ongoing projects. Proposed adjustments to these measures were validated through simulations, demonstrating their potential to control extreme flooding. This work underscores the need for comprehensive, multi-phase flood infrastructure to safeguard Bardejov's central residential area.
Communication between the Towns and the County Authority: The Free Royal Towns and Šariš County at the Beginning of the 16th Century
A study reveals that the free royal towns of Šariš, notably Bardejov and Prešov, developed intricate communication channels with the county authority during the early 16th century. These towns, having become feudal landowners, maintained close ties with the county nobility through both official documents and private letters, often penned by noble judges. Verbal communication was also significant, with emissaries—frequently former or acting noble judges from neighboring villages—acting as envoys to the towns. This practice allowed towns to leverage the legal expertise of these individuals, who were subsequently employed as town lawyers. The research highlights how these dual channels of communication facilitated both official and personal exchanges, shaping the relationship between the towns and the county authority during this period.
Leonard Stöckel and its role of spreading Reformation ideas in the Eastern Slovakia
Leonard Stöckel, a prominent teacher and theologian, played a pivotal role in spreading Reformation ideas in Eastern Slovakia during the 16th century. His influence extended through intellectual contributions like the «Confessio Pentapolitana», one of the earliest documents shaping Hungarian Protestantism. Stöckel's outlook was shaped by European Enlightenment ideals, fostering connections with notable figures such as Philipp Melanchthon, a key European humanist and his mentor. A joint edition of Melanchthon’s works, published posthumously in 1561, underscores their collaboration. Stöckel's appointment as headmaster of Bardejov Town School in 1539 marked a significant phase in his life, where he further propagated Reformation ideals before his death in 1560.
Nest Site Selection and Breeding Success in ThreeTurdusThrush Species Coexisting in an Urban Environment
Research on three thrush species (Common Blackbird, Fieldfare, and Song Thrush) in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bardejov reveals that ecological segregation persists even in urban environments. Despite significant differences in nest placement—such as height, distance from town centers, proximity to human paths, and tree type preferences—the breeding success and predation rates were similar across species. Key factors influencing predation included nest location, tree height, and distance to human structures. This suggests that closely related species can coexist without competition, even in urbanized areas.
Bats and Swifts as food of the European Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in a small town in Slovakia
European Kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in Bardejov, Slovakia, have adapted their foraging behavior to exploit bats and Common Swifts as prey, using novel tactics such as sit-and-wait ambushes near building ventilation channels. This specialized diet significantly boosted breeding success compared to kestrels that did not hunt these urban-dwelling species. The study highlights a recent ecological shift in predator-prey dynamics within small towns, where improved building insulation now threatens both the kestrels and their novel prey by destroying roosting and breeding sites. Research involved analyzing diet composition and foraging behavior across multiple breeding pairs, revealing no significant sex-based differences in hunting strategies.
Variability of the baculum in the red fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) from Slovakia
A study on the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from Slovakia reveals significant variability in baculum traits, with strong positive correlations between several dimensions such as length and dorsoventral or laterolateral thickness. These findings suggest a protective relationship between the baculum's size and structure to prevent fractures during copulation. The research analyzed 10 morphological traits from 119 mature male foxes collected near Bardejov in the Slovak Carpathians, providing detailed insights into the baculum's quantitative characteristics and variability in this region.
My kingdom in pledge : King Sigismund of Luxemburg's town pledging policy, case studies of Segesd and Bartfa
King Sigismund of Luxemburg's town pledging policy in the Holy Roman Empire significantly altered financial dynamics, leaving his successor nearly insolvent. This study clarifies the practical implications of royal town pledgings through two case studies: Segesd (Somogy County) and Bártfa (Bardejov, Slovakia). Unlike previous research that lacked detailed analysis, this work defines the procedure, impact, and profitability of pledging transactions. Segesd was pledged for a brief period but with lasting effects on its medieval history, while Bártfa's pledging stripped Hungarian kings of tax revenue for decades. The findings reveal the authority pledgees gained and the broader consequences of Sigismund’s financial strategy.
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