Did the Habsburgs really change the Holy Crown of Hungary?
The debate surrounding the alteration of Hungary’s Holy Crown is reaching new heights, with many fingers pointing towards the Habsburgs as the masterminds behind the alleged forgery. Emperor Joseph II, known as the “Hatted King,” has been accused of taking the crown to Vienna and making modifications. But did the Austrian royal house truly order the changes to the Holy Crown?
Historical claims regarding the origin and authenticity of the Holy Crown have been a topic of controversy for decades, leading to conflicting views among the public and scholars alike. In the late 19th century, the prevailing belief was that the Holy Crown was commissioned by Pope Sylvester II for the coronation of Saint Stephen. However, a scientific examination of the crown in 1880 led by Arnold Ipolyi and other Hungarian experts threw doubt on this narrative.
The controversy surrounding the Holy Crown escalated with the publication of an article by French archaeologist Jean de Bonnefon in 1907, suggesting that the crown in Buda was a fake assembled from various elements of different origins. This revelation sparked debates and accusations against Hungarian scholars, who were accused of supporting foreign interests by entertaining the idea of the crown being a papal gift.
In 1978, the Holy Crown returned to Hungary for research, leading to further theories about its origins and modifications. While some scholars believe the crown consists of two distinct parts, others argue that it was originally a unified piece and that any discrepancies are the result of later alterations by the Habsburgs.
Gábor Pap and other theorists claim that the Habsburgs replaced certain elements of the crown, such as the enamel images of Byzantine emperors, to suit their strategic ambitions. However, recent insights from the MTA BTK TTI Lendület Holy Crown Research Group challenge the forgery theory, suggesting that the alterations may have occurred earlier than previously believed.
Ultimately, the debate over the Holy Crown’s authenticity and history continues, with further research needed to uncover the truth behind its origins and modifications. The theory that the Habsburgs forged the Holy Crown under Joseph II is now being questioned, opening up new possibilities for understanding this iconic symbol of Hungarian heritage.
