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Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors - HRE
The Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors
The Order of the Ancient Nobility (Orden vom alten Adel), also called Order of the Four Roman Emperors (Orden der Vier Römischen Kaiser) or Ancient Order of Saint George (Alter Orden vom St. Georg), is a historic Chivalric Order, first established in 1308. Founded by the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VII in 1308 under the Patronage of the Guardian Angel. Its object is the Defense of the Faith. It is reserved for members of the Nobility and higher clergy, and is held in great esteem.
The History of the Ancient Order of the Four Emperors dates back to the two knightly associations of the House of Luxembourg in the 14th and 15th century, when in 1308 King of Germany (and later Holy Roman Emperor) Henry VII endowed the "Order of the Ancient Nobility" and in 1408 the King of Hungary (and later Holy Roman Emperor) Sigismund instituted the “Order of the Dragon”. Both founders were striving to fortify Christendom and knightly virtues.
History of the Order
As a result of his defeat by the Ottomans at the Battle of Nicopolis in 1396, Sigismund placed the so-called "Confraternity With the Dragon" (ref. Ouroboros) of Ancient Nobility under the protection of Saint George, from which the Order still today derives its name of two components.
With Sigismund's death in 1437, the line of Luxembourg Holy Roman Emperors became extinct and the Order remained affiliated to the Holy Roman Emperors of the House of Habsburg. The Order honours the Four Holy Roman Emperors from the Luxembourg dynasty, namely Henry VII (reigned 1308–1313), Charles IV (1347–1378), Wenceslas (1378–1410), and Sigismund (1410–1437).
Principles and Purpose of the Order
According to its statutes, the Ancient Order of St. George is open to members of all levels of society, professions and Christian denominations. In both public and private life, they fight against the roots and implications of the "eight evils": illness, desolation, homelessness, hunger, unkindness, guilt, indifference and disbelief.
The Order expects from its members impeccable conduct, respectability, sense of true nobility, Christian charity and morals, as well as strict adherence to law and order. Furthermore, the Order acknowledges Christian natural justice and ethics as the source of all rights. The aims of the Order are also reflected in its Latin motto "Illustrioribus et Nobilitati" (for the distinguished and noble).
St. George, patron saint of chivalry and the English Lord Chancellor, St. Thomas More (1487–1535), patron saint of lawyers, Christian statesmen and politicians, serve for members of the Order as symbolic paragons for the conduct of life.
Insignia and Grades of the Order
The eight-pointed cross is covered with white enamel and in the light blue medallion is a gold representation of St George. On the arms are written the letters “H-S-W-C” in gold, in honour of the four Emperors. The ribbbon is grey-blue with yellow borders.
The Order has three grades: Grand Cross - Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors. Commander - Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors. Knight - Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors.
Present day status of the Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors
The present status of the Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors, is that of a Holy Chivalric Order of the Holy Roman Empire, as such all Rights, Patrimony and Property (including the usage of all Armorial Bearings, Signs and Symbols), of the Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors, come under the exclusive ownership and protection of the Holy Roman Empire Association - ASSOCIAZIONI dei NOBILI del SACRO ROMANO IMPERO. The Present Nominal Grand Master of the Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors is the Chancellor of the Holy Roman Empire Association. Copyright (C) The Holy Roman Empire Association, hold full International Copyright to the Order of the Ancient Nobility of the Four Emperors. Copyright Held 2025 - All Rights Reserved Protected by European, U.S. and International Copyright Laws.