Felvegyek

Felvegyek is a term that appears in historical Hungarian documents, particularly those related to the medieval period. It generally refers to a type of land tenure or obligation associated with military service. Specifically, it denotes land granted by a lord or king to a warrior (a "felvett katona" or "enlisted soldier") in exchange for their loyalty and readiness to fight.

The land granted under felvegyek was not outright ownership but a usufruct, meaning the holder could use and benefit from the land, but it ultimately remained the property of the grantor. In return for this land, the recipient was obligated to provide military service when called upon. The size and nature of the land parcel, as well as the specific military duties, could vary depending on the time period and the authority granting the felvegyek.

This system was a common method for medieval rulers to maintain a standing army or a readily available reserve force without the need for extensive cash payments. It tied the military obligation directly to land ownership and usage, creating a self-sustaining military structure. The concept of felvegyek reflects the feudal military practices prevalent across Europe during the Middle Ages, adapted to the specific socio-political landscape of the Kingdom of Hungary. As military organization and state structures evolved, the practice of felvegyek gradually declined.