familiare

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Common noblemen belonging to families of rich landlords, who performed various services (military, administrational or on the farms) in exchange for money and products (clothes, cereals, wine, weapons). Since there were no feudal ties in Hungary, the nobility was united by the system of familiares. Common noblemen serving a rich lord could their own family, that is a group of servants of lesser noble origin. When the Turks occupied the country the military service of familiares became even more important. They were the officers of the private army of the landlord. This relationship was a good opportunity for many people to rise.

PG