Who are the nobles and boyars?

In those distant times, when Rus ruled by the princes, the appearance of privileged strata - noble and boyar estates - was a natural process. Initially, their representatives were mostly combatants. The common thing for both estates was that they were in the circle of those to whom the prince trusted most, and on whom one could rely. But not everyone understands who the nobles are, and how they differ from the boyars.

The origin of the estate

Based on the data that have come down from the depths of the centuries, we can assume that the birth of the boyar estate falls on the beginning of the 9th century. The next six centuries, it occupied a leading position in feudal society.

In the historical document "The Laurentian Chronicle" there is a term such as "noblemen". The so-called birch bark letters, compiled around the 12th and 13th centuries, already give a detailed description of who such noblemen are.

What kind of people are they?

From the time of the appearance to the end of the 12th century, there was a rule: the prince decided which of his entourage was able to wear the honorary title of "boyar". Such a lucky prince could entrust the management of his army. Also, the boyar was given the opportunity to dispose of the land that became property, which was inherited as, so to speak, the military trophy of the prince.

Depending on the position occupied and the influence, the boyars were divided into two categories:

• Very rich - senior boyars;
• Less wealthy - representatives of the younger squad.

The first got a small army - a squad, than they often abused, vying with each other and even with the prince. The most senior boyars met in the Duma. The prince was forced to listen to their weighty opinion when issues of state importance or litigation were being decided. Princes were valued boyars and nobles, but they regularly feuded among themselves.

Younger boyars and boyar children were appointed by the prince to various important posts: falconer, groom, treasurer, steward, butler, etc. For this they received a salary - "for feeding".

The term "nobleman" is obviously associated with service at the prince's court, which consisted in carrying out various orders for military, financial or economic matters. This right was used by the representative of the younger squad. As a reward for his faithful service and demonstrated valor during the hostilities, the nobleman received an allotment of land along with the peasants. Since the 15th century the noble title has become inherited. At the same time, the land allocated for use also passed to the heirs. Who are the nobles, they are still studying in high school.

The boyar estate is losing its dominant position in the 17th century. The beginning of this process was the reforms of Peter I. On the contrary, the nobles received more privileges thanks to the manifesto of Peter III and the reading and writing of Catherine, respectively in 1762 and 1785.

Distinctive features of boyars and gentry

The nobility of the 17th century enjoys a special position, as the estate of the boyars loses its position. But, despite this, it is worth noting the difference between boyars and nobles:

1. Boyars were equated with large feudal lords. They owned land that was supposed to be inherited. Nobles who served the prince or senior boyar, until the 14th century had no such right.
2. If the boyar is free to choose which prince to serve, then the nobleman depended on the will of the master.
3. For a long period of time the boyars played an important role in state affairs, whereas the nobility had such an opportunity with the accession of Peter the Great.

From the article you learned who the nobles are, and what position they occupied during the reign of princes and kings.