törzsetörténet

Törzsetörténet refers to the historical study of the tribal structures and societies of the Hungarian people. Originating from the 9th to 11th centuries, Hungary's early history was defined by a system of clans (törzsek) that formed the basis of its early state formation. These tribal groups, such as the Magyars, Obodas, and Kavars, played crucial roles in the migration from the Eurasian steppes to the Carpathian Basin. The tribal system influenced social organization, governance, and warfare, with chieftains (főnök) leading communities and tribal assemblies (gyűlés) making decisions. As the Hungarian state centralized under Árpád and later rulers, the tribal structure gradually transformed into a feudal system, though traces of tribal traditions persisted in local customs and kinship networks. Today, "törzsetörténet" remains a key area of Hungarian historical research, exploring the evolution of these early social formations and their impact on the nation's identity.