EN
Unlike the establishments in Teutonic domains, private farms which emerged in Prussia after the end of the Thirteen Years’ War in 1466 were usually part of larger estates that comprised several farms, inns, mills or even villages. Both types of establishments were set up on territories and in estates formerly owned by the Teutonic Knights. After 1466, the Order made attempts to dispose of those resources which were rented to tenants or sold, generating considerable proceeds for the Teutonic Knights. The management of those assets was an important element of the Order’s internal financial policy after the Thirteen Years’ War with Poland which drenched the country. In Teutonic Prussia, private farms, allocated by the Teutonic Knights on unsettled territories (wußte Hube) or started after village and town rights had been granted by feudal authorities, enjoyed a favorable climate for economic growth. The allocations made under the Magdeburg Law provided farmers with more rights and privileges than the laws enacted before 1440. Most estates spanned the area of 10 to 40 lans of arable land. The settlers were awarded minor and major rights to try and punish serfs in their estates, and they were often exempt from a part of their financial obligations to the lords. Large estates comprising several collaborating farms and businesses flourished in Teutonic Prussia after the Second Peace of Thorn. Most of them had a single owner who derived significant financial gain from the expansion of farm estates. Farms were units of agricultural production in larger estates and territorial holdings.