What’s the Oldest Elite Social Class

Throughout the course of history, there have been many varied types of social groups that have risen to power or become popular among their people. 

In modern times, it could be argued that the celebrities of contemporary culture – those who have risen to fame and fortune in sport, entertainment or high-profile living – are the equivalent of a social elite. 

Although this culture of celebration may seem to be a uniquely modern phenomenon, it’s actually a continuation of an enduring theme throughout social history – the idea that some individuals are more interesting, important or powerful than others. 

A similar pattern could be witnessed as far back as Ancient Rome, when the most skilled and courageous gladiators would be lauded as heroes, or in the times of Ancient Greece when the most esteemed thinkers and philosophers were the relative celebrities within their social circles and class systems. 

Similarly in the times of the Renaissance during the Late Middle Ages, the artists, inventors, architects, musicians and scientists that achieved preeminent status rose within their social ranks to be regarded as an elite group within society. 

Yet throughout the many centuries of the last millennia, there has evolved one particular social class that has not only become entrenched in the story of human civilisation, but also endures to this day as a thriving legacy of its origins as one of the oldest elite social classes. 

That esteemed and historic group is known as the aristocracy. 

The Aristocracy – An Elite Social Class

The aristocracy of today is an intriguing evolution of the elite social class that emerged many centuries ago. The modern aristocracy is based on the system of social hierarchy that became strongly established within many cultures during the centuries of the Middle Ages.

Aristocracy from the 19th century.

The origins of the aristocracy were based on the idea that certain individuals were deemed to have qualities or admirable characteristics that singled them out from the majority of the social group. 

In medieval times, as the formal system of the aristocracy was emerging, the qualities that were regarded as honourable and worthy of merit were some of the highest and best characteristics of human nature. These included traits such as honour, virtue, courage, military prowess, political acumen, kindness, loyalty and an aptitude for successful achievements. 

Even the root origin of the term aristocracy is a reflection of this elite level of esteem, as the word stemmed from the Greek and Latin words for the best or most elevated individuals or traits, along with their role in a position of power. 

The Ancient Origins Of The Aristocracy

The heyday of the elite class that became known as the aristocracy was undoubtedly the centuries of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. These were the years when a formal system of aristocratic ranks and titles began to become established in a great many of the countries of Europe. 

Yet the idea of a class of nobles dates back even further to the days of Ancient Rome and Ancient Greece, when the Emperors and rulers would surround themselves with favoured courtiers who would be regarded as an elite social class within the populace of the nation. 

It would be a number of generations before these early nobles and aristocrats would be given formal titles such as Viscount and Duke, or Lord and Lady, yet the idea of a superior social class of people who were entitled to more deference or respect that the majority of the working classes grew to be a common feature in many early civilisations. 

While there had been royals and imperial rulers for centuries, the class of esteemed individuals, who were not royal yet moved in close proximity to the rulers and commanded an elevated position within society, began to emerge as a common feature within many cultures around the world. 

These early distinctions as human civilisation evolved would go on to form the foundation for a more formal social hierarchy in the centuries that followed. 

The Aristocracy Through History

During the medieval period, this pattern of elevating certain individuals to an esteemed status continued and became even more formally acknowledged. 

The tendency for certain royal favourites to be granted particular rights, privileges, or responsibilities became a common practice and the numbers of nobles who were singled out by their royal patrons continued to increase. 

In the earliest times of the Middle Ages, these early aristocrats would likely have been the close companions of a king, those in the role of right-hand man or valiant protector on the field of battle. 

This was the period when noble titles became more established, with ranks and titles such as Lord and Baron being granted to certain royal favourites, in recognition of their loyalty and bravery, or as a reward for their outstanding service to the king. 

In the centuries that followed, more titles would become established, many of which would endure as renowned titles within the system of aristocracy that we know today. 

These ranks and titles were often related to military roles or positions of social governance, titles such as Count, Viscount, Duke, and Marquis. Over time these esteemed ranks would also come to include female versions of the aristocratic titles, with variations such as Countess, Viscountess, Duchess, Marchioness, Baroness, Baronetess and Lady. These ranks were originally related to the role and position of the husband, but in time these aristocratic females would become regarded as esteemed noblewomen in their own right. 

From its origins in ancient times and the earliest civilisations, the evolution of an elite social class has mapped out a fascinating history of human behaviour and an enduring sensibility to those individuals who go above and beyond the norm, to stand out from their peers and enjoy a more elevated status. 

The details and intricacies of this esteemed social order have changed a great deal over the centuries. There have also been considerable regional variations, as the countries of Europe each developed their own set of rules governing the aristocratic hierarchy within their society. 

Yet the enduring themes of this elite social group have ensured that the legacy of those ancient origins have thrived throughout the ages, with many ancient aristocratic families still enjoying an esteemed position within society in modern times.

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