Pfalzgraf

A Pfalzgraf (Count Palatine or Palgrave in English, and comes palatinus in Latin) functioned, especially in medieval times, as the permanent representative (graf) of the Frankish king, and later Holy Roman Emperor, in a palatial domain of the crown (pfalz), of which there were dozens throughout greater Germany.

Related Topics:
Palgrave - English - Latin - Medieval - Graf - Frankish - Holy Roman Emperor - Palatial - Pfalz - Germany

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The monarch and a large court retinue would continually travel between these palatial domains, without having a real capital. This practice of the king 'eating his taxes' - literally 'wining and dining' at the expense of his lords - was common in early feudal Europe. Travel was often required by military considerations anyhow.

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In time, like other officials of the Holy Roman Empire, the pfalzgrafen tended to become hereditary princes of comital rank, often rulers of a palatinate.

Related Topics:
Holy Roman Empire - Prince - Comital - Palatinate

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The Count Palatine of the Rhine and junior branches of his family bore this title.

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