Editing Principality (section)

{{Short description|Monarchical state under the rule of a prince or princess}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Distinguish|text=the [[Principate]] during the Roman Empire}}
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{{Basic Forms of government}}
A '''principality''' (or sometimes '''princedom''') is a type of [[monarchy|monarchical state]] or [[feudalism|feudal territory]] ruled by a [[prince]] or [[princess]]. It can be either a [[sovereign state]] or a constituent part of a larger political entity. The term "principality" is often used to describe small monarchies, particularly those in [[Europe]], where the ruler holds the title of prince or an equivalent.

Historically, principalities emerged during the [[Middle Ages]] as part of the feudal system, where local princes gained significant power within a [[king]]'s domain. This led to political fragmentation and the creation of mini-states. Over time, many of these principalities consolidated into larger [[Monarchy|kingdoms]] and [[empires]], while others retained their independence and prospered.

Sovereign principalities which exist today include [[Liechtenstein]], [[Monaco]], and the co-principality of [[Andorra]]. Additionally, some royal primogenitures, such as [[Asturias]] in [[Spain]], are styled as principalities. The term is also used generically for small monarchies ruled by a monarch of a lesser rank than a king, such as a [[grand duke]].

Principalities have played a significant role in European history, particularly within the [[Holy Roman Empire]], but they fell out of favour with the development of [[nationalism]] in the 19th and 20th centuries. The concept of a principality has also been applied in various forms across different regions and historical periods.