kingdom
The term kingdom denotes a state with a monarchical form of government , in which the monarch is referred to as king (or queen).
Closely related to the state term in Christian theology is the expression Kingdom of God . The development of state kingship in ancient times can be traced from the books of the Bible , but the term often has a figurative meaning in theology .
As today, the ancient kingdoms had various royal symbols. In general, there were one or more capital cities or royal residences , a royal court and a standing army .
The word “kingdom” in itself does not give an accurate indication of the structure of government, the extent of territory or the power of a monarch. Kingdoms used to be of various sizes and influences, ranging from the strong world powers - Egypt , Assyria , Babylon , Media , Persia , Greece and Rome - to small city kingdoms like those in Canaan at the time of the conquest of the country by the Israelites . In addition, the structure of government may have varied greatly from kingdom to kingdom.
The great world empires , which ruled vast areas and also tributary kingdoms, seem to have emerged from small city-states or tribal groups that eventually united under a ruling leader. Such coalitions were sometimes limited in time and were often only formed when the task was to fight a common enemy.
A vassal kingdom is a kingdom that is dependent on another power and has its own administration . Vassal kingdoms often enjoyed a considerable degree of autonomy or self-government, but had to bow to the will and demands of the higher power.
Kingdoms existing today
See the list of current monarchies in the Monarchy article .
See also
- Empire
- Grand duchy
- Duchy
- principality
- Satellite state = vassal state; vassal
