History
Portuguese nobility has its roots from the reign of Alfonso VI of Leon, whose reign saw the sons of Leonese nobility become established as gentry in the north of Portugal, between the Minho River and the Douro River.
During the reign of Manuel I of Portugal, the Portuguese nobility was already recorded and registered, with records as old as the twelfth century.
For the nobility to have risen through the levels, they would have needed to confirm their devote and ever-loving service to the king.
It was also during the reign of King Manuel I, that rules establishing the use of degrees of nobility, as well as the use of heraldic arms, preventing the adoption of both abuse and establishing the rights of the nobility.
All nobles were considered vassals of the King of Portugal.
Read more about this topic: Portuguese Nobility
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