Writing Praxis and Document Forgery in Princely Transylvania
(16th-17th centuries)

Abstract:

The present study considers the use and development of the written document in Transylvanian society, remarking the small number of edited documents and the difficulty of such an endeavour. The writing praxis extended after the use of vernacular languages became common and, at the same time, document forgery was brought under regulation. From the Middle Ages until the 17th century professional and clumsy fake documents appeared, from all areas of interest: nobility diplomas, testaments, passports, school certificates, property documents. The author underlines the lack of research concerning the analysis of fake documents during the premodern era.

Keywords:

Transylvania, chancery, pragmatic literacy, forgery