Concept in Definition ABC

The term duke has been used throughout much of European history to make reference to a political position of noble origin that assumed a certain relationship with military power and political. A duke was during the Middle Ages an individual in charge of a certain region or territory, superior to any feudal lord, count or knight but inferior to the King or monarch that would bring together that region and others under his power. Later, the rank of duke could be used to mark only a person's high social status regardless of his wealth or political power.

The word 'duke' comes from the Latin (doge), which means the one who guide, which goes to the front. This is why the title of duke was directly related to military functions as he was the one who headed a squad or troop. Traditionally, the positive results of a troop could have as a direct consequence the delivery of benefits such as lands and other luxuries to the one who directed them, which is why medieval dukes generally possessed vast wealth, power, and luxuries.

The office of duke was one of several positions that arose during the rule of Rome and, especially, during the Middle Ages in Western Europe. Its main function was to be in charge of a specific territory over which it could have control not only military, but also political, administrative, judicial and economic. That territory that remained under her power was known as well as duchy and, although it was not extremely common, cases of women who complied (for inheritance) that role, which were called duchesses.

It was not until the beginning of the 19th century that in many countries of Europe the dukes began to lose their power when feudal privileges were eliminated after the French Revolution. Until now, many dukes could possess wealth and economic power, although most only retained the title as symbol of political and social power regardless of their heritage.