Objekt 2110
Scramble for power
Description
Under the bishops’ rule, the town experienced an economic boom. Now the
financially strong elite wanted to govern their own affairs. However,
Bishop Henry of Thun († 1238) managed to take control of the council that
was made up of the aristocracy and wealthy bourgeoisie. This is evident
on the great town seal, with which the council established by the bishop
authenticated all legal documents: the Münster, i.e. the bishop’s church, is
placed in the centre of town. This seal was used up to the 17th century.
Object description
Silver stamp (crest) of the great town seal of Basel
Inscription: SIGILLVM CIVIVM BASILIENSIVM. Seal of the citizens of Basel
Basel, c. 1360, 3rd version (first testified around 1225)
silver
deposited by Staatsarchiv Basel-Stadt
Inv. 1936.125.