The Enthronement of the Dukes of Carinthia between History and Imagination

Issues of Its Tradition, Development, and Course, and Its Perception by the Slovenes

Abstract

The study discusses how the notions held by the general public about the enthronement of the Dukes of Carinthia differ from the position of historiography where, in spite of its long scientific tradition, a number of related issues remain unsolved. This is largely due to scarce sources that have been differently evaluated, which largely resulted in different interpretations of the origin, development, and significance of enthronement ceremonies through the centuries. The final segment of the study discusses how the enthronement of the dukes of Carinthia is understood by the Slovenes, who perceive it as an expression of their former Early Medieval statehood, and consequently interpret the Prince’s Stone as one of their most significant historical symbols. This has led to repeated disputes with their Austrian neighbors in Carinthia, who understand the Prince’s Stone primarily as a symbol of Carinthian history.