Objekt 2117
Centre of Christianity
Description
One of the last great Church Councils of the Middle Ages was held in Basel
from 1431 to 1448. The aim was to reform the Church. But soon a quarrel
arose between the congregation and the Pope. The Council even ousted
him and in 1439 elected an antipope, Felix V. With a special seal created to
authenticate deeds, the Church Council made its position as the highest
ecclesiastical authority clear. For Basel the congregation of church men and
their entourage meant thriving business: the economy prospered, as did
cultural life.
Object description
Lead seal of the Basel Council
rear inscription: + SACRO SCA' : GENERALIS : SINODVS : BASILIENSIS +
Basel, 1431–1448
lead
old inventory
Inv. 1905.1557.