Courtier

Courtiers follow an ancient profession. Once part of a ruling household, they became confounded with then separate from the administrative staff of government as power gravitated from individuals to republican-style assemblies, but remain today as the personal confidantes and assistants of hereditary rulers.

Related Topics:
Profession - Administrative - Government - Power - Republic - Assemblies

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Courtiers often flock around monarchs, but non-royal courts (ducal courts, electoral courts) also existed.

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Louis XIV of France systematically subjected the French aristocracy to political emasculation by involving them as courtiers in the empty but time-consuming rituals and intrigues of a purpose-built palace of Versailles.

Related Topics:
Louis XIV of France - Aristocracy - Versailles

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The placemen and rewarded campaign-donors of the political system of the United States of America form a more modern group of de facto courtiers.

Related Topics:
Placemen - United States of America

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