The Maleinos Family: A Model of the Dynatoi Class in Byzantine Society during the Tenth Century

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of History, Faculty of Education, University of Damanhour

Abstract

The study aims to research the Maleinos family as an exmplary model of the Dynatoi class within Byzantine society; analyzing both the legitimate and illegitimate strategies employed by the family to expand its agricultural landholdings. Regarded as one of the foremost classes of affluent landowners in the provinces, the research seeks to assess the Maleinos family's influence within the Byzantine courtly circles and its utilization thereof to  expand its economic interests. Additionally,  the research endeavors to delineate the interplay between authority, wealth, and influence,  unraveling the mechanisms through which the family exerted pressure on the central government to secure its interests and prevent any encroachments. Furthermore, the research traces the trajectory of the family's ascendancy and its subsequent decline.
      One of the most prominent issues that the research addresses is the dynamic of the Maleinos family's relationship with  its contemporary families, notably the Phocas family, particularly during the reign of Emperor Nicephorus II Phocas (963-969 CE). This involves an examination of the central authority's policies in addressing agrarian ownership issues and countering the dominance of the Dynatoi class across Byzantine provinces. Moreover, the research charts the stages of the Maleinos family's economic empowerment and concludes with an analysis of the factors contributing to the family's decline during the reign of Emperor Basil II (976-1025 CE), including the legislative measures enacted in 996 CE and their ramifications for the Maleinos family.

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