Unterstützung bei herrscherlichem Entscheiden : Experten und ihr Wissen in transkultureller und komparativer Perspektive

"At this gate stands nothing but an artificial wooden sanctuary whose roof rests on the horns of various animals that hold it up as the basis. The outer sides of this sanctuary are decorated with various images of gods and goddesses, which, as far as one can see, are carved into the wood with admirable art; standing within are idols made by human hands, with their names on the pedestal, and they look terrible; for they are standing there in full dress, wearing a helmet and a harness. The most noble of these is called Zuarasici, who is honored and worshiped by all heathens. Here also stand their flags, which are taken from here only in case of need, when it comes to fighting, at which time they must be carried by foot soldiers. In order to guard this all carefully, the pagans employ special priests who, when people come together to sacrifice images and atone for their wrath, alone remain seated while the others stand. By then muttering secretly among themselves, they dig angrily into the earth, in order to search for certainty about dubious matters by means of throwing lots. After this has finished, they cover the lots with green grass, and lead a horse, considered the greatest of them all, and revered as sacred by them, with humble supplication over the top of two spears crossing each other, put into the earth and, having first set forth the slogan by which they, for the time being, have examined the case, they seek, through this divine animal, omens of the future. And if an equal sign is given by these two means, then one acts accordingly; if not, the whole affair is abandoned by the troubled pagans". \({ }^{21}\) In einer fächerübergreifenden Perspektive nimmt der Sammelband das herrscherliche Entscheiden im östlichen Mittelmeerraum, in der arabischen Welt und im fernöstlichen China in den Blick und thematisiert dabei vor allem die Rolle von Ratgebern sowie deren vielfältige Kompetenzen und Wissensressourcen. Im Zentrum der Untersuchung stehen der Transfer von Fachwissen, dessen Gewichtung beim Entscheiden an Herrscherhöfen sowie der Vergleich mit ähnlich strukturierten Gesellschaften der Vormoderne.