La «élite» de las élites locales de la Mancha Oriental durante la Edad Moderna a través de las concesiones de hábitos de órdenes militares

Abstract

This paper aims to increase the knowledge on the individuals and families in the Mancha Oriental that are positioned at the top of the local and regional levels. For their distinction, we have used one of the most desirable royal favors, such as the concessions of habits of Military Orders. Using as the main source the knights tests records located at the Archivo Histórico Nacional, we show the quantification and regional distribution data of these crusaders through the Early Modern Age. Afterwards, we analyze the sources of power and wealth of these «powerful» families, as well as the strategies they use to achieve the desired social ascension.