The System of Family Relationships between Latin Merchants in Esztergom and Székesfehérvár during the 13th and 14th Centuries

During the Middle Ages, Esztergom and Székesfehérvár used to be the centers of "Italian" (Latin) population of Hungary. Analyzing proprietary relationship of the palace in Esztergom, the author describes kinships of the "Italian" merchants. This story brings out lot of valuable information about the Székesfehérvár townspeople, for example about women and their role in the property affairs. On the background of economic relationship we have the opportunity to have a look at marriage customs of the townspeople. Apart from the cohesiveness of the "Italian" community, commercial relationships between the two towns were a significant factor for the high number of marriages between the members of the mentioned families. The main trade articles were drapery and wine which was transported from Székesfehérvát to Esztergom. During the 13th century gradual assimilation of the "Italian" population had started. This process can be seen on the changes of original Walloon names of the fathers to ethically neutral names of their sons.