City-state

A city-state is a region controlled exclusively by a city, and usually having sovereignty.

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City-states were common in ancient times. Though sovereign, many such cities joined in formal or informal leagues under a high king. In some cases historical empires or leagues were formed by the right of conquest (eg, Mycenae, or Rome), but many were formed under peaceful alliances or for mutual protection (eg, the Peloponnesian League).

Related Topics:
Ancient times - High king - Right of conquest - Mycenae - Rome - Peloponnesian League

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In the Middle Ages, city-states were particularly a feature of what are now Germany and Italy. A number of them formed the Hanseatic League, which was a significant force in trade for a number of centuries.

Related Topics:
Middle Ages - Germany - Italy - Hanseatic League

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