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The term "burgrave" originated in medieval Germany. Initially, a burgrave was an appointed official responsible for commanding a fortified town, known as a burg, with the rank of count. Over time, this title evolved to become hereditary, and it became associated with the domain surrounding the town.12

The role of a burgrave was essentially that of a military governor of a German city during the 12th and 13th centuries. Later, it denoted a noble who ruled a German castle or town and its surrounding lands by hereditary right.2

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