swordbearers

Swordbearers, also known as scabini or scabini minor, were a group of military officers in the High Middle Ages, specifically in the Kingdom of Hungary and Poland. Their primary role was to serve as the king's or duke's bodyguards and to bear the sword as a symbol of their office.

The office of swordbearer emerged in the 12th century and was initially only held by the most senior nobles. They were responsible for guarding the ruler's person, attending to their physical needs, and participating in ceremonies. In addition to their martial and ceremonial duties, swordbearers also acted as judges and administrators, often serving as the king's or duke's plenipotentiaries in various regions.

Swordbearers were appointed for life and were expected to hold the office with the utmost gravity and loyalty. They were often given large tracts of land and significant administrative powers, making them influential figures in the monarch's government. In Hungary, the office of swordbearer was particularly important and was held by a group of twelve high-ranking nobles, known as the verticalis, who served as the king's chief advisors.

The office of swordbearer declined in importance in the 14th century, as the powerful king and commoner orders of the day rose to prominence. Meanwhile, in Poland, the office was more closely tied to the nobility and continued to play a significant role in the country's government and society.