Codrul Cosminului (Dec 2010)
Neamt County Boyars – Part of the Moldavian Elite (the XV-th to the XVII-th century)
Abstract
In this study we proposed to identify the defining features of Moldavian boyars, if they correspond with the realities of Europe at that time, or to what extent differ. In order to do this, we took as reference point the case of Neamţ boyars in the XV-th – XVII-th centuries seeking both to identify possible distinctive features of this socio-political categories, as well as those common to Moldavian space, but also in Europe.Following our approach, we found that the medieval Moldavian boyars, including Neamt, corresponds to the following characteristics: at legal standpoint - its members were free men; in social terms they were masters of villages, peasants and slaves (Gypsy or Tartars) and had the privilege offered by the rulers of Moldavia, as long as they served him faithfully. Betrayal, called „hiclenie”, lead to the loss of property and, where appropriate, the life of someone who was guilty, issue also available for boyars in Neamţ county.Politically speaking, many boyars (including those in Neamt) were co-opted in the leadership of the state, holding various positions, more or less important, depending on the confidence of the country rulers. From the cultural point of view, many boyars were scientists. Diacs and grammars were recruited from these boyars, in order to become Chancellery members. Following the tendencies of the Middle Age, some of the boyars were founders or donors to churches, such as the great governor Nestor Ureche.By its defining characteristics identified in this study, it can be concluded that nobility of Neamt county Moldavian boyars to rest perfectly integrated, there is no indication that it formed a distinct category among the latter.
