What was a count in the Middle Ages?

In the Western Roman Empire, Count came to indicate generically a military commander but was not a specific rank. In the Eastern Roman Empire, from about the seventh century, “count” was a specific rank indicating the commander of two centuriae (i.e., 200 men).

What makes someone a count?

A count is a title of nobility that varies slightly in meaning depending on which country you’re in. However, when referring to a count, you’re likely speaking about someone who falls in the middle of the social hierarchy—not quite at the level of a king or queen, but far more impressive than the rest of us commoners.

Is a count and an earl the same?

An earl is the nobility ranking that lies between a marquis and a viscount. It is the English equivalent of the European title “count” and has rich associations with British royalty. Earl: Originating from the Norse word “jarl” (meaning leader), earl is the English equivalent of the European title, “count”.

What are counts in court?

Count refers to the basis for which someone can be held liable or guilty in court. A count is a cause of action in civil cases or an offense in criminal cases. Each lawsuit can involve multiple counts in which someone can be held liable.

What rank is a count?

Noble Ranks

Social Standing	Rank	Title(s)
C	Baron	Baron, Baroness, von, haut, hault
D	Marquis	Marquis, Marchioness
E	Count	Count, Countess
F	Duke	Duke, Duchess

Did counts have castles?

From the beginning of the 12th century, a number of counts appeared in western Germany, taking their titles simply from the castles they held, and having no obvious connection with any official status.

What countries have Counts?

count

• France. French counts became vassals of dukes by 900 at the latest; but, as the process of feudalization continued, the counts tended to lose their official character and to become the hereditary lords of little territories.
• Germany.
• Italy.
• Spain.
• Russia and Poland.
• England’s earls.
• Scotland’s earls.

What does 8 counts mean in law?

The prosecutor may charge many “counts” in a crime. It is the way the charges or crimes are numbered in the indictment or accusation.

What does 10 counts of a crime mean?

It means you get charged for every instance of a particular crime. If a serial killer has murdered ten people, he can be charged with ten counts of murder.

What is below a count?

An earl is at the head of a county. In most European countries this title is instead known as a count. Earl comes from an old English word, eorl, which had a similar meaning. A marquess is effectively the earl of an important border county (also known as a march).