ARISTOCRACY: HISTORICAL ORIGIN, CHARACTERISTICS, EXAMPLES - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The aristocracy is a term for a ruling elite whose wealth and political powers are vested with titles and privileges. These, generally, are transmitted through hereditary succession.

This form of government originated in ancient Greece, where, apart from political clans and leading clerics, the population was largely illiterate. This made highly skilled men desirable.

In addition to political, moral, intellectual, and military superiority, an aristocracy can also include members of the elite from wealthy or religious backgrounds. In these cases, it will be called plutocracy and theocracy, respectively.

In historical times, this system was made up of a council of the privileged classes. With a few exceptions, these systems developed under the framework of a monarchy.

Over time, this led to the emergence of a noble class, whose members held official titles (baron, duke, earl) and helped the monarch to rule his kingdom. Sometimes the king himself was selected from the aristocratic classes.

Etymology of the term

Etymologically, the term aristocracy derives from ancient Greek, aristos (best) and kratos (power, government, force) (aristokratia: government of the best).

Its original meaning was a moral contrast between aristocratic powers - legitimized by the responsibility and self-control that supposedly accompany good education - and oligarchic powers.

The latter are acquired by ambition, calculation, and new fortunes and similar vices that are believed to prevail in self-appointed or illegitimate regimes.

The term aristocracy was probably coined after the 5th century BC. This denoted a type of political system in which authority and moral excellence were intrinsically connected and achievable by a few.

Around 1780, the reformers in the Dutch Republic began to denounce their own oligarchs as aristocrats, a previously unknown word.

Within a few years, French revolutionaries used it to describe their own opponents, for this struggle had begun, in principle, to destroy the privileges and power of the French nobility.

Since then, the word aristocracy clearly began to mean something more than a form of government. It signified the power of a particular social group and its followers.

Historical origin

In the Republic, Plato argued that the best people would be the most adept at identifying and pursuing the common interest. They would be called 'guardians': rulers and professional leaders.

As such, they would receive long and careful training, and would not enjoy any substantial property that might induce them to pursue private rather than public interests.

For his part, Aristotle offered a definition of aristocracy based on observation. In this form of government, a few rule: the best men or those who defend the best interests of the state and its citizens.

According to Aristotle, wealth was essential to sustain the leisure and lack of temptation necessary for holders of public office. Thus, in the aristocracies the magistrates were chosen for their wealth and for their merits.

Furthermore, he thought that the principle of an aristocracy was virtue, and virtue was most likely to be found among people of "birth and education." In his opinion, this type of government had social nuances.

In ancient Rome, too, a distinguished ancestry brought prestige, privilege, and rights to power. This hereditary distinction would be reflected throughout the history of government and social organization in Europe.

characteristics

An aristocracy is a form of government where the leaders come from the elite classes of society. It is based on the presumption that only those with the highest moral and intellectual standards deserve to rule.

Also, it holds the belief that the masses are disorderly. Therefore, they cannot be expected to have the requisite aptitude for political affairs.

Likewise, members of such privileged classes were previously thought to possess the courage for battle in their youth, and the ability to give valuable advice in old age.

In most aristocracies, both historical and modern, the ruling classes appoint their own heirs as successors.

This hereditary transfer of power was based on the belief that good leadership qualities carried through the bloodline.

Examples

Brahmins in India

A Brahmin is a member of the highest caste of Hinduism. They are the caste from which Hindu priests are formed, and they are responsible for teaching and maintaining sacred knowledge.

According to some records, during the medieval period of India, Brahmins performed other works in addition to performing priestly duties or teaching religion. Some were warriors, merchants, or architects.

Until the reign of the Maratha dynasty (1600 to 1800 AD), members of this caste served as government administrators and military leaders, occupations more typically associated with the Kshatriya (warriors and princes).

Spartans in Sparta

The Spartans made up a true aristocracy. They were few in number, and they belonged to the highest status of the social classes. They had many rights, but they dedicated their lives to physical perfection and training.

Eupatrids in Athens

Athens was ruled by an aristocracy called the Eupatrids (eupatridae: well-born). This group had exclusive rights and privileges. During this time, it was the richest state on the Greek mainland.

After overthrowing the monarchy, the Eupatrids ruled Athens until the late 7th or early 6th century AD. These members of the most powerful families in Attica were warriors and great landowners.

In general, they performed all important public services and held Athenian political life in their hands. The economic basis of his political power was a huge inalienable territorial property, which was inherited property.

Patricians in ancient Rome

In 509 a. When the Etruscan king was finally overthrown in ancient Rome, the aristocratic families of the city - the patricians - took control of the government and created a republic.

But, it was not a representative government. Patrician nobles considered themselves privileged and better able to rule. They were convinced that certain people were born to lead and others were destined to follow.

Therefore, the majority of the citizens, the commoners, were denied any input on how, or by whom, they were to be governed.

Medieval nobility in Europe

During the Middle Ages, the aristocracy was very influential. A nobleman contributed to the defense of his country by providing soldiers, weapons, armor, and horses, all in good condition. In return, he did not have to pay any taxes.

About 1% of the population belonged to the nobility. Within this class, there were big differences. The richest members, the highest nobility, were members of the King's Council and made the important decisions.

On the other hand, the lesser nobility did not have as much wealth and power at their disposal. Often, it was quite difficult for them to find the weapons and horses that were required for the defense of the country.

References

1. Bevir, M. (2010). Encyclopedia of Political Theory. Thousand Oaks: SAGE.
2. Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2016, November 07). Aristocracy. Taken from britannica.com.
3. Doyle, W. (2010). Aristocracy: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
4. Chavan, A. (2016, August 06). What is an Aristocratic Government and What are its Pros and Cons? Taken from buzzle.com.
5. Szczepanski, K. (2018, March 04). Who Are the Brahmins? Taken from thoughtco.com.
6. Alen, S. (2015, July 11). Ancient Athens - early politics and government. Taken from shorthistory.org
7. Wasson, DL (2014, July 11). Patrician. Taken from ancient.eu.
8. Legends and Chronicles. (s / f). Spartan Classes. Taken from legendsandchronicles.com.
9. Meet the Middle Ages. (s / f). Nobility. Taken from medeltiden.kalmarlansmuseum.se.