The market of knighthoods and services in Portugal (17th-18th century)

Abstract

This article focuses on the issue of venality, and aims at questioning the traditional idea that there was a little amount of venality in early-modern Portugal. It is argued that venality existed since the 16^th century, and became especially intense during the 17^th and 18^th centuries. Throughout this period the Crown sold offices, pensions and services, as well as honours. It is demonstrated that the knighthoods and commanderies of the Military Orders played a particularly important role in this process.