Gesturing back to the 15th century, a Styrian knight jotsdown observations in Jerusalem
Historical Graffiti Uncovered in Jerusalem's Upper Room
The Upper Room, a significant historical site believed to be where Jesus had his last supper with his disciples, has revealed a fascinating glimpse into the Middle Ages. Researchers have uncovered a wealth of graffiti on its walls, providing insights into the international pilgrimage to Jerusalem during that era.
The Upper Room, built by the Crusaders, also houses the tomb of the biblical King David in its basement. Over the centuries, the walls have been marked by visitors, bearing a resemblance to modern "tagging" in urban spaces.
One of the most intriguing findings is the family crest of Ernst von Starhemberg, a Styrian noble, etched onto the walls in the 15th century. Ernst von Starhemberg was a member of the noble Starhemberg family, originating from Styria in Austria, near the Murau area. During the 15th century, he participated in a pilgrimage or crusade that led him to Jerusalem, where he left his family's coat of arms as a mark of devotion and commemoration of his journey and status.
The practice of marking the walls was not limited to Ernst von Starhemberg. Many inscriptions found in the Upper Room date from the period when the building housed a Franciscan monastery. Pilgrims from the Czech Republic and Serbia, as well as famous individuals like Johannes Poloner from Regensburg and the patrician family von Rümlingen from Bern, also left their marks.
An Armenian inscription commemorating "Christmas 1300" was found, which may provide evidence for the presence of Armenian King Het'um II and his troops in Jerusalem after a battle in present-day Syria on December 22, 1299.
In 1436, a delegation of around 100 Austrian nobles, including Tristram von Teuffenbach, accompanied Archduke Frederick of Habsburg to Jerusalem. While Tristram von Teuffenbach is considered the most likely tagger of the Upper Room due to his presence in Jerusalem during this period, there is no direct evidence linking him to the graffiti found.
The international research team involving the Austrian Academy of Sciences (ÖAW), the Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA), and Armenian scholars discovered many old engravings on the walls of the Upper Room using modern techniques. Many of these engravings are only recognizable today on digital images created by the research team.
This discovery sheds new light on the geographical diversity and international pilgrimage to Jerusalem in the Middle Ages, extending beyond the traditionally Western-focused research perspective. For those interested in delving deeper into this fascinating historical detail, there are numerous archival and historiographical sources available about Ernst von Starhemberg and his connection to Jerusalem.
The historical evidence found in the Upper Room, such as the family crest of Ernst von Starhemberg, illustrates the diverse lifestyle and travel patterns of European pilgrims during the Middle Ages, showcasing travels from as far as Austria to Jerusalem. Furthermore, the engravings left by pilgrims like Johannes Poloner and the von Rümlingen family, among others, offer a unique perspective on the diverse travel experiences of the time, expanding our understanding of the international pilgrimage era.
