The Codex of Aistana's Lineage: Nobility and Royalty

Ah yes, the most renowned book series in Western Agia. These codices are supposed to show the clear heritage line of kings and nobles related to Queen Aistana. However, in reality, it only highlights the distinct difference between nobles and commoners, as well as the considerable challenges commoners face in achieving nobility. Every noble could claim ownership of the throne based solely on this document. That is why other laws have been implemented to avoid such claims.
— Aewydim Scibodaeth
  The Codex of Aistana's Lineage is one of the most fundamental roll series in Aistana. They show the family tree of all nobles and royals in Aistana, and some in Estain as well, given that Queen Aistana and Queen Estain were sisters. The roll was written over two centuries after the death of Queen Aistana, and was introduced to document the complex family tree of the nobility and royalty in Aistana. The oldest version is believed to be five meters long, but the beginning of the lineages are missing, except the Moerkinuel, who are seemingly the oldest family we have another documents verifying, beside the Book of Irath, who only mentions that Manaes, the first known king we can date, is in relation with the very first king of the Dynbodauls. Whilst the oldest version is practically unreadable, given it is almost three thousand years old, the book has gotten several newer editions, each adding another generation of nobles to the book.

In recent years, it has become hard to keep track of the different iterations of family trees, the church holds birth, marriage, and death records, to ensure no one cheats with the overall family tree. Thus, there are only two book series considered to be the true versions, and these are the ones in the possession of the church and the heraldry office in Aistalion.
Type
Manuscript, Historical
Medium
Paper
Authoring Date
-2387
Location

The Importance of Genealogy codices

Documenting family lineages in codices is still heavily important, since they have a significant effect on social status in more than just the royal families. These codices are a powerful social tool for nobility, new-coming elites, and the middle class.
Noble families often need to present documented genealogies, in forms of rolls, codices or manuscripts, when they seek membership in privileged institutions such a cathedral chapters, military orders, and courtly offices. Admissions to orders of chivalry, certain universities, and prestigious appointments demand lengthy proofs of noble ancestry, with written genealogies combined with oral testimonies from peers to establish a person's status.
These genealogical codices are important to prove the "purity of blood", meaning being able to relate the family's genealogical codex to the first one made of the kingdom of Aistana's genealogy codex. This proof is required not only for the nobility but also for acceptance in religious, civic, and professional roles. The circulation and possession of such records elevate families' reputations, reinforce claims to noble identity, and were even exchanged as favours within a network of influence.

These records are also used in legal matters to prove inheritance rights, eligibility for land ownership, and claims to titles, providing tangible evidence in disputes. But in recent times, the middle classes have also begun recording their family lines to demonstrate respectability, facilitate social advancement, or secure prestigious marriages. It has also become popular to highlight famous people, such as artists or Hailan in these family codices.
The popularity and importance of these genealogical codices have led to social competition and sometimes manipulation or fabrication of lineage, reflecting the high stakes associated with recorded ancestry for families striving for or protecting status.

Comments

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Jul 23, 2025 23:26 by Dr Emily Vair-Turnbull

I am always torn as to whether these would be fascinating to read or really boring. It's really cool that it exists, though I wonder how many bastards and infidelity have been covered up.

Emy x
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