Földadó

**Földadó** refers to a historical form of land tax primarily used in Hungary and neighboring regions during the Middle Ages and early modern period. The system was introduced to generate revenue for the Hungarian crown and local lords by taxing agricultural land based on its productivity and value. Unlike modern property taxes, which often target ownership or usage, the földadó was typically tied to the land's potential yield rather than its current cultivation.

The origins of the földadó can be traced back to the feudal system established in Hungary after the Magyar conquest of the Carpathian Basin in the 10th century. As the kingdom expanded, so did the need for centralized taxation to fund military campaigns, administration, and infrastructure. By the 13th century, the practice of levying land taxes had become formalized, with records indicating that certain villages or estates were obligated to pay a fixed amount in kind (such as grain or livestock) or in cash.

During the Ottoman occupation of Hungary (1526–1699), the földadó evolved to support both the occupying forces and local Hungarian nobles who retained control over certain territories. After the reconquest of Hungary in the late 17th century, the tax system was gradually reformed under Habsburg rule. The földadó was eventually replaced by more standardized property taxes in the 19th century, as part of broader administrative and economic modernizations.

The exact methods of assessment varied by region and period, but the tax was generally collected annually and could be adjusted based on factors such as crop failures or changes in land ownership. While the földadó played a crucial role in financing state functions, it also contributed to social tensions, as peasants often bore the brunt of the burden. Historical records and tax registers from this era remain valuable sources for studying medieval and early modern Hungarian economic and social structures.