mayordomos

Mayordomos, also known as mayordomos de cámara or chamber mayordomos, were high-ranking officials in the court of the Spanish Empire during the 16th and 17th centuries. Their primary role was to manage the household affairs of the monarch, including the royal household, the royal treasury, and the royal stables. Mayordomos were responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the royal court, ensuring that all necessary supplies and personnel were available to the monarch and their family.

The position of mayordomo was highly prestigious and came with significant responsibilities. Mayordomos were expected to be loyal to the monarch and to uphold the dignity and honor of the royal court. They were also responsible for maintaining the security of the royal palace and for ensuring that the monarch's personal needs were met.

Mayordomos were typically appointed from the nobility and were chosen for their experience in managing large households or for their military or administrative skills. They often held other high-ranking positions in the court, such as captain general of the royal army or governor of a province.

The role of the mayordomo evolved over time, and by the 18th century, the position had largely been replaced by the office of the secretary of state. However, the legacy of the mayordomo lived on in the Spanish language, with the term "mayordomo" still used to refer to a butler or a manager of a household.