DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6095#0305
SICILY AND MALTA. 287
The foundation of the feudal system was
first laid here by the count Rugiero, about
the middle of the eleventh century, imme-
diately after he had driven the Saracens
out of the issand. He divided Sicily into
three parts; the first, by consent of his
army, was given to the church ; the second
he bestowed upon his officers, and the
third he reserved for himself.
Of these three branches, or as they call
them Braccios (arms), he composed his
parliament, the form of which remains
the same to this day. The Braccio Mill-
tare is composed of all the barons of the
kingdom, to the number of two hundred
and fifty-one, who are still obliged to
military service : their chief is the prince
Butero, who is hereditary president of the
parliament: for in conformity to the ge-
nius of the feudal government some of the
great ofsices are still hereditary. The
three archbishops, all the bishops, abbes,
priors,
The foundation of the feudal system was
first laid here by the count Rugiero, about
the middle of the eleventh century, imme-
diately after he had driven the Saracens
out of the issand. He divided Sicily into
three parts; the first, by consent of his
army, was given to the church ; the second
he bestowed upon his officers, and the
third he reserved for himself.
Of these three branches, or as they call
them Braccios (arms), he composed his
parliament, the form of which remains
the same to this day. The Braccio Mill-
tare is composed of all the barons of the
kingdom, to the number of two hundred
and fifty-one, who are still obliged to
military service : their chief is the prince
Butero, who is hereditary president of the
parliament: for in conformity to the ge-
nius of the feudal government some of the
great ofsices are still hereditary. The
three archbishops, all the bishops, abbes,
priors,