Paul Einhorn


Paul Einhorn was a famous historian of the Latvians and a Lutheran pastor.

Lutheran beliefs and attempts to exterminate the pre-Christian religion of the Latvians

In 1615 Paul Einhorn studied at the university of Rostock.
He was a pastor from 1621 and superintendent of Courland from 1636. He is described as an ardent Lutheran, and he spent much effort fighting against superstition. He received a good classical education which is also seen in his works, which gained its importance because of their description of Latvian pre-Christian beliefs, which he tried to exterminate.

Literary works

He has published number of books:
  • 1627 — "Wiederlegunge der Abgötterey..."
  • 1636 — "Reformatio gentis Letticae..."
But he is mostly known because of his historical book about Latvians published in 1649 — "Historia Lettica".