Otto of the Silver Hand

The Middle Ages is broadly defined as the period of 10 centuries spanning from the fifth century to the 15th, and it specifically applies to the region now known as Europe. In the 1200s, Germany was part of the Holy Roman Empire and was ruled by an emperor named Rudolph of Habsburg. During this time of little advancement, it was difficult to rule over lands and keep order, and as a result people often took lawful matters into their own hands. Sections of land were ruled over by various lords and bishops, all of whom developed their own moral frameworks. For almost 20 years in the middle of the 13th century, Germany had no official ruler. Politically unstable, it fell to the ways of those with the most might and willingness to brutalize others. 

Robber barons like Baron Conrad took advantage of this governmental weakness and used it to exploit those who were more vulnerable. In the political system of the era, feudalism, land was the utmost source of wealth, and lords of the land held power over their followers. Historical records from the Middle Ages are often fragmented or incomplete, making it difficult to understand the realities of daily life during this time, particularly from an unbiased perspective. Most accounts were written by and about nobility, and the lives of ordinary citizens (then known as peasants or serfs) have largely disappeared into the vault of history. Religious practices and folklore are two of the most prominent cultural aspects that remain from this time, though the era also remains a common inspiration for literature and other forms of storytelling.