As conceived by the Greek philosophers Plato (c. 428/427–348/347 BC) and Aristotle (384–322 BC), aristocracy means the rule of the few best—the morally and intellectually superior—governing in the interest of the entire population. It existed in the medieval period. Such a form of government differs from the rule…The word “Aristocracy” is derived from two Ancient Greek words: "aristos" meaning the "best" and "kratein" "to rule" and so aristocracy originally meant "rule by the best".
Historically, aristocracies have usually rested on landed property, have invoked heredity, and, despite frequent conflicts with the throne, have flourished chiefly within the framework of monarchy (rule by a single individual). Aristocracy may be based on wealth as well as land, as in ancient Carthage and medieval Venice, or may be a theocracy like the Brahman caste in India. The best example of a modern landowning aristocracy that conducted government was in England from 1688 to 1832.
The titled arsitocracy was actually shrinking as the Medieval period turned into the Renaissance during the 15th century. Inflation, which cut into the fixed income of the aristocracy, the loss of the traditional military role of the aristocracy, and the rise of industry and decline in the importance of landed property have all worked against the aristocracy.
Today the political power of traditional western aristocracy has all but disappeared but it can never be forgetten that once it was a name associated with the ancient WESTERN EUROPE....
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