The term Viscounts' Superiors refers to Earls, which is a title of nobility in the British peerage system. Earls are the highest rank below a Duke or Duchess and above a Viscount. Earls have been around since the Middle Ages and were originally responsible for governing a large area of land. They were also responsible for providing military support to the King or Queen. Today, Earls are still considered to be members of the aristocracy and are often referred to as 'LORDS'.