Legal Definitions - hominatio

Hominatio refers to the historical act of performing homage. In feudal societies, it was a formal, public acknowledgment of allegiance and service by a vassal to a lord. This ceremonial declaration typically involved a pledge of loyalty and submission, often accompanied by symbolic gestures, in exchange for protection or a grant of land or office.

• Imagine a medieval knight, Sir Gareth, kneeling before King Arthur, placing his hands between the King's, and solemnly swearing an oath of fealty and military service in exchange for a grant of land. This entire ceremonial process, where Sir Gareth formally recognizes King Arthur's superior authority and pledges his unwavering loyalty, is an example of hominatio.

• Consider a situation in the 12th century where a newly appointed mayor of a town, whose authority derived from a powerful baron, would publicly present himself to the baron. The mayor would then make a formal declaration of his subservience and promise to uphold the baron's laws and interests within the town. This act of acknowledging the baron's overlordship and pledging obedience is a clear instance of hominatio.

• Following a successful military campaign, a defeated local chieftain might have been compelled to perform hominatio to the conquering monarch. This would involve a public ceremony where the chieftain formally recognized the monarch's sovereignty over his lands and people, pledging his allegiance and promising to pay tribute. This act solidified the new power structure and demonstrated the chieftain's submission.