The difference lies in the proximity to the Monarchs and on portion of land in which each had military or legal authority. The higher the title, the more land and power the noble had at hand.
This hierarchy appeared in 5th centuryin different regions of Europe, after the Roman Empire fell and the continent was divided into small kingdoms. Each of them was governed by a dynasty, which relied on the nobility to conquer new lands and keep those already under their rule safe. In the 9th century, titles were passed down from father to son. Brazilian nobles, in the 19th century, needed buy the honor government, but its prestige declined with the proclamation of the Republic in 1889.
EACH IN ITS SQUARE
Learn about the role and hierarchy of nobles in the Middle Ages.
DUKE
The most powerful after the king. He was named among military commanders, sons or relatives of the king. He was given the largest portions of land to manage. The first dukes emerged in the Roman Empire, where generals were called dux (“the one who leads”, in Latin).
MARQUIS
A man of the king’s high confidence, to whom they were given border territories or poorly pacified. Over these portions of land, called marquisates, he had civil and military power. The title comes from a medieval French dialect, which named nobles as “brand governors“.
COUNT
An advisor, adviser or palace official who assisted the king in various everyday matters. received counties, smaller portions of land than the marquisates. The title comes from ancient Rome, where the Latin word eat (“one who accompanies”) referred to those who lived with the emperor.
VISCOUNT
Responsible for replace the earl and assume the functions of advisor to the king in the absence of the incumbent. He received small territories, the size of villages. comes from latin vicecomesi.e. «vice-count».
BARON
Faithful subject of the king, in general rich man, which promised loyalty and services in exchange for small farms or sites, which would be inherited by their descendants. The word, of Germanic origin, means «free man».
Curiosity: In the UK, titles still have some relevance. Prince William and Kate Middleton are Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
CONSULTANCY: Wilton Carlos Lima da Silva, coordinator and professor of History at the São Paulo State University (Unesp) in Assis.