Maltese titles of nobility with a Gozitan connection

Abstract

A fief (Latin: feudum) was the central element of feudalism. lt consisted of heritable property granted by the Sovereign to a vassal who held it in fealty in return far allegiance and (often) military service. Fiefs were revenue-producing lands held in tenure at the pleasure of the Sovereign. The holder of a fief usually also held a title of nobility based on that fief. Under the rule of the Order, most of the noble fiefs where only nominally held by individuals. The revenues from the lands in question were paid into the treasury.