The Castle as a Venue for the Rise of Elites in the Regions

The text focuses on the relationship among the medieval castle, its social background and the careers of castle officials. It is based on present archontological research as well as prosopography approaches. Using the example of six castles in the regions of Zvolen/Zólyom and Tekov/Bars County in the late Middle Ages, it is possible to define the circle of officials of higher and middle degree: captains, castellans and stewards. During 1402 – 1526, this heterogeneous group consisted of approximately 108 persons. About a quarter of them were castle officials coming from the relevant castle estate or county, as well as officials of foreign origin settled during their service in the given region. Almost three quarters of the officials had not shown any connection with their home region. The post of castellan had been held mostly by poor landowners and occasionally by noble burghers. The office of the steward for which the designation provisor curiae had also been used, had not required a noble title and was also held by subjects. The establishment of officials during their service at the place of work had taken place through the acquisition of property. Officials who had or had been creating a property background in the region had worked in their positions longer, including multi-generational service. On the contrary, officials had shown the fluctuation without ties to the place of work.