The Maltese nobility

Abstract

There existed a Patriciate during the Roman Period (218BC-AD395), when the Maltese were Soci Romani and their islands had the status of a Foederata Civitas. The nobility, in its present form, was instituted by Count Roger de Hauteville - the Norman lord who liberated the islands from Arab rule in AD1090. The ancestors of many of the present day noble families were amongst his followers who settled in Maltese islands and were granted generous tracts of land. With the advent of Norman rule, the islands formed part of the Kingdom of Sicily and under successive dynasties were ceded as a fief to foreign lords who were later styled Counts of Malta (in one instance, Marquis of Malta). Tracts of land in the islands themselves were also granted as separate fiefs by the reigning monarchs of Sicily in return for military service or an annual rent. The fief-holders automatically acquired the status of noble and with this went the right to sit on the Local Government of the islands without election. Under the Crown of Sicily, the Maltese nobles occupied the most important administrative offices in their homeland. Of the many baronial fiefs granted by the Kings ot Sicily, we may mention two viz. Djar-ii-Bniet and Buqana. These two baronies are the Premier titles of Malta and Gozo. [excerpt]