Principality

A principality is a monarchial feudatory or sovereign state, whose monarch is a prince or princess. The term is also sometimes used as a general term for other small sovereign states led by lesser royalty, as for instance grand duchies, whose monarch is a Grand Duke or Duchess. No sovereign duchy currently exists, but Luxembourg is a surviving example of a sovereign grand duchy.

Development

Though principalities existed in antiquity, before the height of the Roman Empire, the modern principality as it is known today evolved into being in the Middle Ages between 350 and 1450 when feudalism was the primary economic system employed by Eurasian societies. Feudalism increased the power of local princes to govern the king's lands. As princes continued to gain more power over time, the authority of the king was diminished in many places. This led to political fragmentation and the king's lands were broken into mini-states led by princes and dukes who wielded absolute power over their small territories. This was especially prevalent in Europe.

Related Topics:
Roman Empire - Middle Ages - 350 - 1450 - Feudalism - Economic - Europe

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Certain principalities, particularly in Eastern Europe, were known as grand principalities. See Grand Prince.

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