Famulusok Magyarországon a 14. században
Famuli in 14th-century Hungary

Summary/Abstract: Famuli in 14th-century Hungary can be divided into two groups. The members of the first were low-class servants, while those belonging to the second possessed some talent and expertise. The famuli of the first group owned no land and their status was similar to that of the serfs, though not necessarily identical with that. We cannot establish, however, if the status of a serf or a landless famulus was better. Those famuli whose status was better were usually more educated. They had some legal education, often they served their lords as procurators (lawyers) and received valuable presents from them. Famuli could excel in military service on the side of their lord, who in turn gave them gifts. We know of a case when a famulus was granted 80 (Hungarian) acres of land and a plot. Famuli very often were their lords’ bailiffs (officiális). We know of a famulus who was a citizen and a deputy judge, while others worked at the customs office or were officials of the county. The better-off famuli could have their own famuli. We see that a famulus procurator was treated as equal with the other procurators. So a famulus could be a slave, but he could also be a talented and educated person in the service of another, and by these abilities he could ascend to higher ranks.

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