Aristocracy (Greek ἀριστοκρατία aristokratía, from ἄριστος aristos "excellent," and κράτος kratos "power") is a form of government that places power in the hands of a small, privileged ruling class. The term derives from the Greek aristokratia, meaning "rule of the best".

At the time of the word's origins in Ancient Greece, the Greeks conceived it as rule by the best qualified citizens—and often contrasted it favourably with monarchy, rule by an individual. In later times, aristocracy was usually seen as rule by a privileged group, the aristocratic class, and was contrasted with democracy.

Concept

The concept evolved in Ancient Greece, whereby a council of leading citizens was commonly empowered and contrasted with direct democracy, in which a council of citizens was appointed as the "senate" of a city state or other political unit. The Greeks did not like the concept of monarchy, and as their democratic system fell, aristocracy was upheld.

In Ancient Rome, the Republic consisted of an aristocracy—as well as consuls, a senate, and a tribal assembly. In the Middle Ages and early modern era, aristocracies primarily consisted of an influential aristocratic class, privileged by birth, and often by wealth. Since the French Revolution, aristocracy has generally been contrasted with democracy, in which all citizens should hold some form of political power. However, this distinction is often oversimplified. The concept evolved in Ancient Greece, whereby a council of leading citizens was commonly empowered and contrasted with direct democracy, in which a council of male citizens was appointed as the "senate" of a city state or other political unit.

Aristocrats is a 1999 television series based on the biography by Stella Tillyard of the five aristocratic Lennox sisters in 18th century England. The series consists of six episodes of 50 minutes each and was first broadcast in the United Kingdom on BBC, starting on 20 June 1999. It was a co-production between the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Republic of Ireland.

Episodes

Cast

Awards

The series was nominated in 1999 for two Awards by the Irish Film and Television Awards for "Best Craft Contribution," and "Best Television Drama." It also was nominated for two awards by the Royal Television Society, including " Best Costume Design," and "Best Make Up."

DVD release

All six parts of the miniseries were released in a DVD boxset on 8 August 2006. The set includes three discs containing all the episodes.