Practicing Success
Land grants made by kings to win allies when losing control over their samantas were seen as an indication of which of the following? |
Strengthening political power. Increasing centralization of authority. Weakening political power. Achieving military dominance. |
Weakening political power. |
Historians hold differing viewpoints on the impact of land grants. Some argue that they were part of a strategy adopted by ruling lineages to expand agriculture into new territories. On the other hand, some believe that land grants indicate a decline in political power, as kings sought to gain allies by granting land to others when losing control over their samantas (feudal lords). It is suggested that, as a façade of power, kings attempted to present themselves as supermen, particularly as their control was waning. |