The Romanian nobility refers to the social class of landowners and aristocrats in Romania, particularly prominent from the Middle Ages until the early 20th century. This class played a significant role in the political, economic, and cultural life of the country, often holding vast estates and influencing local governance. Nobility in Romania was characterized by various titles, such as count, duke, and baron, which were often granted by foreign powers or local rulers. The decline of the nobility began after the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the rise of communism, leading to the nationalization of their properties and the end of their traditional privileges.