MARGRAVATE Meaning and
Definition
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Margravate is a term used in the context of feudalism and medieval Europe to refer to a specific type of territory or jurisdiction. It originally emerged during the Carolingian Empire and was prevalent in the Holy Roman Empire.
A margravate can be defined as a territorial division or administrative unit governed by a margrave, who was a noble or military commander appointed by a monarch or a higher-ranking noble. The margravate was often situated on the border regions of a country and was granted to a margrave as a reward for military service, often with the aim of protecting the kingdom from external threats.
The authority and powers of a margrave within a margravate were generally more extensive and autonomous compared to other traditional feudal territories. They were given a significant amount of autonomy, usually having the power to appoint and administer justice, collect taxes, and raise and command armed forces. The margravate was often considered a prestigious position, and the margraves themselves held high social standing.
Throughout history, the size and boundaries of margravates varied, ranging from small territories to larger provinces. Margravates were most commonly found in regions such as Germany, Austria, and Eastern Europe, where they played an influential role in the political and military landscape.
Overall, a margravate can be described as a distinct feudal territory governed by a margrave, characterized by its borderland location and the margrave's extensive authority over administrative, judicial, and military matters.
Common Misspellings for MARGRAVATE
Etymology of MARGRAVATE
The word "margravate" is derived from the German term "Markgrafschaft", which combines "Mark" (meaning "border" or "frontier") with "Graf" (meaning "count"). In medieval Germany, a Margrave, or Markgraf in German, was the military governor or commander of a border territory, known as a Mark. The Margravate (Markgrafschaft) referred to the jurisdiction or authority of the Margrave. Over time, the term "margravate" came to denote both the territory and the title itself.
Similar spelling words for MARGRAVATE
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