European nobility refers to a social class that historically held privileges and power in various European countries. This class often included titles such as dukes, counts, and barons, which were typically inherited. Nobles played significant roles in governance, military leadership, and land ownership, influencing the political landscape of their regions. The structure of European nobility varied by country, with some nations having a more rigid hierarchy than others. In places like France and England, the nobility was closely tied to the monarchy, while in Germany and Italy, it was often fragmented into numerous local lords. Over time, the power of the nobility diminished, especially with the rise of democratic governments.