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→Historical overview
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===Historical overview=== | ===Historical overview=== | ||
When the nobility emerged is a mysterious subject. Among the old tribes of Germans (West- and Ostgermanen) it was customary to elect a king from among the existing nobility. The king was surrounded by dukes, princes and knights which made up his entourage. To become part of this group was voluntary and only for those who had the right to carry arms (Waffenrecht). These were usually men of good families or were well seasoned warriors. He who had the right to carry arms was simultaneously a member of the thing (gatherings to determine the next sovereign, duke or prince and among the rising generation who would be worthy to carry arms and to determine the law)and the army. Within noble ranks existed gradations. Regarded as the highest nobility were the lines connected to royals. | When the nobility emerged is a mysterious subject. Among the old tribes of Germans (West- and Ostgermanen) it was customary to elect a king from among the existing nobility. The king was surrounded by dukes, princes and knights which made up his entourage. To become part of this group was voluntary and only for those who had the right to carry arms (Waffenrecht). These were usually men of good families or were well seasoned warriors. He who had the right to carry arms was simultaneously a member of the thing (gatherings to determine the next sovereign, duke or prince and among the rising generation who would be worthy to carry arms and to determine the law) and the army. Within noble ranks existed gradations. Regarded as the highest nobility were the lines connected to royals. | ||
===Nobility in Schleswig-Holstein=== | ===Nobility in Schleswig-Holstein=== | ||