The Nobility in Early Portugal: A Class Built on the Reconquest

The nobility (fidalguia) in medieval Portugal secured its privileged status primarily through military collaboration with the king during the Reconquista. As the monarchy expanded its domain southward, the Portuguese aristocracyplayed a crucial role in securing and governing newly conquered territories.

Hierarchy of the Portuguese Nobility

The nobility was stratified into several ranks based on wealth, land ownership, and military responsibilities:

1. The "Rich Men" (Homens-Ricos)

   • The highest level of nobility, equivalent to great lords or barons.
   • Owned vast feudal estates and commanded private armies.
   • Exercised jurisdiction over large territories, often with near-sovereign authority in their domains.
   • Held close ties to the royal court, advising the king and leading military campaigns.

2. The Lesser Nobility (Infanções and Cavaleiros)

   • Held smaller estates granted by the king or the "rich men."
   • Defended castles and towns but did not command private armies or exercise judicial autonomy.
   • Often served as royal officials, military commanders, or administrative stewards in borderlands.

3. The Villein-Knights (Cavaleiros-Vilãos)

   • The highest class of free commoners, often of modest noble lineage.
   • Maintained their own horses and weaponry and were obligated to serve the king in military campaigns.
   • Frequently settled in colonial frontier communities, where they received special privileges and were encouraged to conduct raids against the Moors for personal gain.

The Role of the Nobility in the Kingdom

The Portuguese nobility played a pivotal role in warfare, administration, and governance, particularly during the kingdom’s territorial expansion southward.

• Military Service: Nobles were expected to lead troops in battle and defend key fortifications along the frontier.
• Land Administration: Many nobles governed towns and castles, overseeing local law and taxation under royal authority.
• Reconquista and Colonization: Nobles helped settle newly conquered lands, strengthening Portuguese control over Muslim-held territories.

The Nobility’s Relationship with the Crown

Although loyalty to the king was expected, the powerful feudal lords often held significant autonomy, leading to periodic conflicts between the monarchy and aristocracy. Over time, as Portugal’s monarchy centralized power, the nobility’s independent influence declined, though they remained a dominant social class well into the early modern period.