Nobility of Latium
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The nobility of Latium are individuals and families, as recognized by the Latin monarch or other sovereign, that enjoy hereditary privileges that distinguish them from other individuals or families. Nobility originates from ancient patricians, gradually evolving into a more complex system of hereditary, and a system of non-hereditary court titles, offices, and functions that confer nobility upon its holder. The system of nobility is also referred to as
Forms of nobility
Latin nobility is not a closed system, allowing individuals not born into nobility to be elevated into the system. There is a distinction between nobility and hereditary titles, however most nobility is non-hereditary titled. All members of nobility are considered counts (Latin: comes, lit. companions of the emperor), leading to the system also being referred to as the comes system. Within this system there are five distinguished classes. Among these classes are a mix of hereditary and non-hereditary titles, and nobility afforded to holders of court titles or offices, and children of the monarch. This system of nobility can allow for individuals to be a member of multiple classes simultaneously.
Comes system
- Counts First Class: Individuals serving on the Sacred Assembly are automatically afforded the rank and privilege of Counts First Class. These positions are non-hereditary court and administrative state offices appointed by the Monarch, broadly similar to Great Officers of State in other realms. This rank affords the holder the style of "The Illustrious" (Vir illustris). Men or women appointed to this rank continue to hold this style for life.
- Counts Second Class: Individuals appointed to the role of Count Palatine, consist of the second class counts. This class of count confers the style of "The Glorious" (vir gloriosus/gloriosissimus).
- Counts Third Class: At his or her discretion, the Monarch may confer the title of "Duke" upon an individual. The title of duke may be hereditary or non-hereditary depending on the warrant of grant issued by the Monarch. This rank confers the style of "The Magnificent" (vir magnificus). This class typically does not include sons of the Monarch.
- Counts Fourth Class: Also known as the Senatorial class, is the oldest class of count. Individuals are afforded style of "The Most Admirable" (vir spectabilis) and the title of Senator. This class of nobility is required in order to serve on the Council of Magistrates.
- Counts Fifth Class: This is considered the entry class of nobility, and the rank that hereditary nobles are automatically afforded at birth. It is considered the equivalent to the ancient status of patrician, often resulting in the firth class being referred to as patrician rank. All children of a member of any class of nobility are also afforded this rank. It affords the style of "The Most Renowned" (vir clarissimus).