European nobility refers to a social class that historically held privileges and land ownership in various European countries. This class often included titles such as dukes, counts, and barons, which were granted by monarchs. Nobles typically played significant roles in governance, military service, and local administration, influencing the political landscape of their regions. The structure of European nobility varied by country, with distinct systems in places like France, England, and Germany. Nobles often lived in grand estates and participated in court life, maintaining their status through wealth, lineage, and connections to the ruling royalty.