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Aristocracies are complicated because the word is alternately applied to monarchies, like England, and oligarchies, like shogun Japan or Renaissance Italy. European aristocracies are based on ranks of nobility, which don't necessarily entitle someone to government power. Here are titles seen in much of English history:

King

Prince

High Duke/Archduke

Earl

Viscount

Baron

These titles are known a peerage, and are addressed as lords (except for the king and prince). The below ranks are considered landed gentry and don't really have direct power:

Baronet

Knight

Gentleman

Other countries have historically had aristocratic classes that came with power, these include Pope, Elector, Archduke, Tsar, Marquis, and Patrician.

Basically, real aristocracies don't have kings. The Italian city-states before the Napoleonic Wars are good examples. The cities were run by wealthy and titled families, with some input from the common people.

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14y ago

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