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In the 14" and 15" centuries, they held different local offices, for example, clerks, land-stewards, sheriffs, tax -collectors, and so on, in these countries. Meanwhile, in 1327, the Gyapol family received a village named Rákócz (now Rakovec nad Ondavu in Slovakia) as a fief from King Charles I of Angevin (Anjou) (1301-1342) in return for their services. From this year, the Gyapol family commenced to call itself after this village known as Rakoczi. Additionally, this family had been divided into innumerable branches during the 14" and 15" centuries. In this manner, in my brief presentation, I will focus only on the history of the Räkôczis Felsévadäsz-branch, which had become politically the most influential vineyard holder in Tokaj Wine-Region.* Until the late 15th century, there were no hints or traces in the manuscript sources about the Rakéczis’ possession of a vineyard in Tokaj Wine-Region. The first concrete data on their wine-growing holder’s activity was recorded in 1471. In this year, the three members of the Rak6czi family, namely Paul, Gaspar, and Stephen, purchased one courthouse, one wine cellar, and two vineyards (presumably in the promontory of Hatäri; Eng. Border’s Hill) from another nobleman called Gregory Szentkirályi in the village of Erdőbénye.? For almost a century, members of the Rákóczi family had remained a minor vineyard-holder in Tokaj Wine-Region. In the mid-16" century, the family proselytised to Calvinist Protestantism and became a strong supporter of the New Faith. Ihe family confiscated some minor vineyards, which were held by the Catholic Church, previously. For example, John Rákóczi (1517-1561) I, as a Sub-Prefect (Deputy-Lieutenant) of County Zemplén, confiscated autocratically a large vineyard of the Catholic Parish in the promontory of Bányász (Eng. Miners Hill) in Tállya for himself and his family, too.‘ At the same time, from the Rakéczis vineyard holdings’ point of view, radical changes occurred in the second half of the 16" century. The two members of the family, namely Sigismund Räköczi (1544-1608), and his cousin Louis Räköczi (1570-1512) quickly pushed their fortune thanks to their services achieved to the Hungarian Royal Court ruled by the Habsburgs. In other words, they were bestowed the title of Baron by Emperor and King Rudolf II (1576-1612). So, their political influence in the Hungarian Kingdom became increasingly stronger and stronger.” By virtue of their successful carriers, newer and newer vineyards were purchased and confiscated in the Tokaj Wine-Region neighbouring the market towns Szerencs, Mad, Mezézombor, and Tallya. Moreover, Sigismund Rakéczi, by his marriages, radically increased his vineyards’ number as he had married ladies ? MNL-OL DL. No. 14808., No 14060., No. 14067., No. 15775., No. 15777., No. 16057., No. 16070., No. 25667., No. 45338., No. 66979. 3 MNL-OL DL. No. 17163., No. 21762. * MNL-OL A 57 (= Magyar Kancelläriai Leveltär, Kirälyi Könyvek - Liber Regii/ Archive of The Hungarian Royal Court’s Chancellery, Book of Kings - Liber Regii). Vol. 3. No. 378., No. 466. > MNL-OL A 57. Vol. 4. No. 524., No. 543.; MNL-OL A 57. Vol. 5. No. 327., MNL-OL A 57. Vol. 6. No. 128., No. 129. 150
