The anthology encompasses texts, images and artefacts from premodern times and thereby gives an impression of contemporary forms of dealing with the social phenomena of 'Macht' and 'Herrschaft'. By picking out well-chosen examples, the contributions shed light on basic thematic constellations like 'conflict and consensus', 'personality and transpersonality', 'core and periphery', and 'idealization and criticism'. Thereby every field is represented by European as well as by Non-European examples, and this means that comparison in a transcultural perspective is made possible. To further such comparison, all articles follow as far as possible a common scheme, first introducing and contextualizing the chosen example, then presenting, commentating and analyzing it with respect to configurations of 'Macht' and 'Herrschaft'. Translations from textual sources from foreign languages or from the Middle High German make sure that readers who are not specialized in the particular field can grasp their content and relevance.