They ate any food which a pig would devour, and had as little idea of marriage as have sheep or goats.
Among the Sclavonians generally there appears to have been no aristocracy.

Each family was an independent republic.

Different tribes occasionally met to consult upon questions of common interest, when the men of age, and who had acquired reputation for wisdom, guided in counsel.
Gradually during the progress of their wars an aristocracy arose.
Warriors of renown became chiefs, and created for themselves posts of authority and honor.

By prowess and plunder they acquired wealth.

In their incursions into the empire, they saw the architecture of Greece and Rome, and thus incited, they began to rear castles and fortresses.
He who was recognized as the leading warrior in time of battle, retained his authority in the days of peace, which were very few.