Comtat

The word "Comtat" (pronounced kom-tah) is a historical term referring primarily to a county, a territory governed by a count (French: comte). It is often encountered in the context of historical regions of France and other Romance-speaking areas. The term derives from the Latin word comitatus, which originally described the retinue or entourage of a leader, eventually evolving to denote the territory and jurisdiction under the count's authority.

Specific examples of territories known as a comtat include:

• Comtat Venaissin: A former papal territory within Provence in southeastern France. It existed from the 13th century until 1791 when it was annexed by France during the French Revolution. Avignon, while geographically within the Comtat Venaissin, was a separate papal city.

• Comtat de Foix: A former county in southwestern France, historically significant for its association with the Cathar religious movement and its role in medieval politics.

The term "comtat" can also be used more generally to refer to any historical county, but it is most frequently associated with these specific historical entities, particularly the Comtat Venaissin. Understanding the term is crucial for studying the history of southern France, the Papal States, and medieval feudal systems. The modern French word for county is comté, which is a direct descendant of comtat.