Before entering fully into the meaning of the term count, we are going to proceed to discover its etymological origin. In this case, we can state that it is a word that derives from Latin, exactly from "comes, comitis", which can be translated as "companion" or "comrade".
The individual who holds the title of nobility that is immediately inferior to the title of marquis is called a count . This distinction is granted by a monarch as a way of gratitude or recognition .
The powers of the counts vary according to the time and the region. At a general level, the title became symbolic or honorific starting in the 19th century , although in the past the count could be the highest authority of a territory .
It is important to keep in mind that noble titles were very relevant in the Middle Ages , when they constituted a tool to organize hierarchies in feudal regimes . The king, in this framework, recognized and rewarded certain people for their performance in battles and other achievements.
At that time, the social hierarchy was headed by the emperor or the king . Then were the dukes and, below them, the marquises . The descending order continued with the counts , viscounts and barons .
In the specific case of the counts, originally they were the individuals who accompanied the emperor of the Roman Empire . The fief in charge of the count was called the county .
One of the most famous counts in history belongs to the realm of fiction: Count Dracula , a character created by the Irish writer Bram Stoker for his novel "Dracula" . Count Dracula , according to the book , is a vampire who resides in a castle in Transylvania .
However, within the literary and fiction field in general, we find other well-known characters who have also had the aforementioned noble title. This would be the case, for example, of "The Count of Monte Cristo." This is the title of one of the most important adventure novels by Alexandre Dumas, published in 1844.
In the historical sphere, we find a series of counts who have exerted an important weight in the political, social, cultural or economic sphere. Among these, some stand out such as the following:
-The Count of Floridablanca, José Moñino y Redondo (1728 – 1808). He was a relevant Spanish politician who served as Secretary of State during the period between 1777 and 1792. In addition, he presided over the Supreme Central Board.
-The Count of Romanones, Álvaro Figueroa y Torres Mendieta (1863 – 1950). He was a Spanish politician who held the positions of President of the Congress of Deputies, President of the Senate and even President of the Council of Ministers during the reign of Alfonso XIII. To all this we must add that he was part of the liberal party of Canalejas and Sagasta.
-Count Aranda, Pedro Pablo Albarca de Bolea y Ximénez de Urrea (1719 – 1798), who served as Secretary of State to Charles IV.
Among the numerous royal counts, one can mention Alfonso Martínez de Irujo and Fitz-James Stuart , a Spanish aristocrat who is count of Palma del Río , Guimerá , Ribadeo and Aranda .