A székelység szerepe a középkori és a fejedelemség kori határvédelemben
The Role of the Szeklers in the Borders Defense in the Middle Ages and the Period of the Principality

Summary/Abstract: Present study analyses the role of the Szekler people in the defense of the eastern border of the Hungarian Kingdom through the Middle Ages and the period of the Transylvanian Principality and is based principally on contemporary sources. We have to underline that the special military function and activity of the Szeklers stood on the basis of the privileges and personal liberties of this people. The infrequent medieval written sources take remarks concerning the border defense such as closing the cramps and the control of the border areas. During the period of the Principality the defense of the borders changed in more aspects. Some communities near the eastern borderland got special function in the control and defense of the border, such as: guarding the roads, footpaths and the cramps which had gone from Transylvania to Moldavia, and closing them in the time of wars, and to spy outside of his country. They also had the role of watching over the border castles and customs. His function of the Szeklers remained until the time of annexation of Transylvania to the Habsburg Empire at the end of 17th century.

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