In the late twelfth century, the communities in the valleys in Raetia were generally small and independent. There were very few large landholders and no central authority. For years
blood feuds and battles had raged between the Lords of
Belmont,
Werdenberg,
Rhäzüns and the
Bishop of Chur as well as minor nobles. The constant warfare had seriously damaged trade and transportation in the region. To reduce the violence and encourage trade, the leaders and nobles of the valleys proposed forming a league or alliance. This alliance was known as the
Grey League. The Grey League was founded through the alliance of 21 communities from the
Vorderrhein and
Hinterrhein valleys in the
Alps. On February 14, 1395, the three main nobles (the
abbot of
Disentis,
Johannes von Ilanz,
Baron Ulrich II von Rhäzüns and Baron
Albert von Sax-Misox) of the
Vorderrhein together with delegates from the Court Municipalities in
Ilanz created an "eternal alliance". Since the alliance was predominantly located in the high country, it was also known as
Part Sura ( or High Alliance). Five days later,
Count Johann von Werdenberg-Sargans joined the League at
Flimserwald. The League was more than just a military alliance. It included increasing security on the roads, and required free trade within the League. Laws were standardized and even commoners were granted protection and the right to a court trial. Severe punishments were put in place for
murder,
manslaughter,
robbery and
theft. A catalog of crimes, punishments and rights, known as the
Landfrieden or Peaceful Land, was established. The
Landfrieden standardized laws and punishments, which increased the rule of law. Under the
Landfrieden conflicts had to be resolved through the courts and not through open conflict.
Landfrieden was the first step from arbitrary punishments handed out by the injured party to a modern
penal system. ==Expansion==