The Spanish Hidalgos

Hidalgos in Spain were members of a social class resembling minor nobility, existing mainly from the late Middle Ages through the early modern period. They were often landowners or rural laborers with noble roots but lacked significant wealth or political power. Typically, their status was achieved through inheritance or service rather than wealth, giving them a modest noble standing. Hidalgos valued honor and social reputation, and their identity was tied to a sense of noble virtue despite limited economic means. They played roles in local administration and military service but did not possess large estates or high titles like higher nobility.