Over the time, European* Society has often been divided into three orders or estates: the clergy, the nobility and the Third Estate. It is a division that has a long history (In Caroligian times, it was Oratores ("those who pray"), Bellatores ("those who fight") and Laboratores ("those who work")).
Is it possible to have instead Four Estates, the fourth one being the Merchant Class/Bourgeoisie? If so, how would that affect society?
*I'm saying "European" because I know it worked this way in Europe. Might have also worked outside of that continent, but as I don't know the subject enough, I prefer to avoid saying an absurdity.
Is it possible to have instead Four Estates, the fourth one being the Merchant Class/Bourgeoisie? If so, how would that affect society?
*I'm saying "European" because I know it worked this way in Europe. Might have also worked outside of that continent, but as I don't know the subject enough, I prefer to avoid saying an absurdity.