ΤΥΠΟΣ ΛΗΜΜΑΤΟΣ
Γενικό Λήμμα |
ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ
The constant fighting against the Arabs over the centuries had forged the aristocracy of Asia Minor in the medieval era. The most prominent families had among their ancestors a charismatic officer, who had distinguished himself in combat. During the 11th century, these aristocrats manned the higher levels of the army, which explains their prosperity during the period of expansion of the Byzantine Empire, as well as their ambitions towards the imperial throne. The failed rebellions and the Turkish invasions resulted in the loss of the aristocracy’s territorial basis in the area. Under the Komnenoi, alongside the large landowners related to the imperial family, emerged a local aristocracy, less illustrious, but whose support was crucial to face the Turks. |
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