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Clientage created pyramids. A powerful king had clients who were lesser kings. Those lesser kings had noble clients. Those nobles had wealthy farmer clients. Those farmers had poor clients. The chain extended downward, each level bound to the level above.
The King’s Clients:
The high king or regional king maintained relationships with subsidiary kings, powerful nobles, and occasionally wealthy commoners. These clients provided military forces (their own clients mobilized), political support (swaying decisions in the king’s favor), and material tribute.
In return, the king provided protection (military aid against enemies), legal support (influencing legal proceedings), and political recognition (acknowledging their status publicly).
The Noble’s Clients:
Below the kings, nobles maintained similar but smaller networks. Their clients were farmers, craftsmen, warriors—people who needed patronage to prosper, who offered skills or resources valuable to the noble.
The Farmer’s Clients:
Even substantial farmers might have clients—poorer neighbors, young men seeking opportunity, refugees from other territories. These relationships were simpler (less formal, smaller stakes) but followed similar patterns.
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