A Historical and Archival Guide to Székesfehérvár (Székesfehérvár, 2003)

AN OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY WRITING OF SZÉKESFEHÉRVÁR

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zékesfehérvár, the former coronation town is mentioned in a number of medieval sources. The chapter kept a lot of valuable sources; it was founded by King Saint Stephen I, and functioned beside the coronation church and burial place in the century prior to the widespread use of written records. The chapter's importance in state administration is also indicated by the fact that the vice-chancellor's office was held by the provost of Székesfehérvár in power. (Earlier the post had been held by the keeper of the royal seal) Later this custom changed, but we can claim that the provosts held important state offices, and were made chancellors, vice-chancellors and royal secretaries. This fact proves the existence of a highly developed written culture in Székesfehérvár in the century that preceded a decree by King Béla III in 1181. This decree instituted written culture. Among the mediaeval epic historical writers we can find many of the custoses of Székesfehérvár, like Akos custos of Székesfehérvár, who wrote the Hun-Hungarian Chronicle. Kálti Márk the author of the Illustrated Chronicle of Hungary also held this office. Domonkos Kálmáncsehi also worked in Székesfehérvár, he was the provost of St. Nicolas chapter from 1462 to 1495. Later he became the bishop of Várad, then that of Transylvania, finally he was made the Archbishop of Kalocsa. He was an outstanding humanist, the confidant and a diplomat of King Matthias. Between 1474-1481 the humanist Orbán Dóczi of Nagylucse was the provost of St. Nicolas chapter that stood outside the townwalls. Later he became the bishop of Vienna. Miklós Oláh ( 1493-1568), the renowned humanist also worked as a custos in the town.