The Appanage

An appanage is a granted portion of land or income given by a monarch to a royal family member, often a younger son, to support their status and lifestyle. It served as a way to provide for family members without dividing the main kingdom, allowing them to govern their own territories or receive income. The purpose was to maintain stability within the royal family, prevent disputes over the throne, and ensure the family's continued prominence. Over time, some appanages grew into powerful regional territories, shaping political geography and power dynamics.