Introduction

This introductory chapter briefly summarizes the history of the city of Riga. It asserts that, even if it was never a seat of royal power like London, Paris, or Berlin, Riga's past and present have been influenced by the same political, economic, religious, and cultural forces that have shaped a diverse continent where matters of faith, authority, and hierarchy have intermingled with those of nationality, class, and sovereignty. It might reasonably be suggested that Riga is a microcosm of northeastern Europe; yet this eclectic city is in many respects sui generis. Riga may be familiar in its northeastern European context, yet the chapter argues that it is also unique. In addition, the remainder of the chapter addresses the portrayal of Riga by other historians (in other words, the city's historiography) as well as the rendering place and personal names in modern English.