Das „Privilegium Andreanum” von 1224: Ein „goldener Freibrief” für die Siebenbürger Sachsen

The privilege granted by the Hungarian King Andrew II in 1224 to the later so-called Transylvanian Saxons is considered a fundamental document that sustainably promoted, and indeed enabled, the political, economic, and cultural development of these „guests” invited to the country. This article starts by outlining the historical context in which the privilege was granted. It then analyzes and contextualizes the central immunities conferred by this charter: personal freedom and group autonomy, self-administration and jurisdiction, autonomous church, inalienability of the territory granted for settlement, regulated taxes and duties (military service, hospitality), the right to use their own seal, economic benefits that promoted the emergence of urban structures. Special attention is given to the first seal and its models.