List of forms of government
62-571: The term Albanian Principalities refers to a number of principalities (although they functioned more like a series of kingdoms) created in the Middle Ages in Albania and the surrounding regions in the western Balkans that were ruled by Albanian nobility . The 12th century marked the first Albanian principality, the Principality of Arbanon . It was later, however, in the 2nd half of
124-528: A bishop . In English, the feminine form of the title is despotess (from ‹See Tfd› Greek: δεσπότισσα , translit. despótissa ; Bulgarian: деспотица , romanized: despotítsa ; Serbian: деспотица /[despotica] Error: {{Lang}}: invalid parameter: |links= ( help ) ), which denoted the spouse of a despot, but the transliterated traditional female equivalent of despotes , despoina ( ‹See Tfd› Greek: δέσποινα , translit. déspoina , lit. "lady of
186-465: A monarchical feudatory or a sovereign state , ruled or reigned over by a regnant- monarch with the title of prince and/or princess , or by a monarch with another title considered to fall under the generic meaning of the term prince . Most of these states have historically been a polity , but in some occasions were rather territories in respect of which a princely title is held. The prince's estate and wealth may be located mainly or wholly outside
248-518: A different meaning: " despotism " is a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. The semantic shift undergone by the term is mirrored by " tyrant ", an ancient Greek word that originally bore no negative connotation, and the Latin " dictator ", a constitutionally sanctioned office of the Roman Republic . In colloquial Modern Greek , the word is often used to refer to
310-502: A feudal polity (often a former secular principality in the broad sense) held ex officio — the closest possible equivalent to hereditary succession — by a prince of the church , styled more precisely according to his ecclesiastical rank, such as prince-bishop , prince-abbot or, especially as a form of crusader state, grand master . Some of these instances were merely religious offices without sovereign power over any territory, while others, such as Salzburg and Durham , shared some of
372-606: A long trek to Albania he eventually captured Krujë by forging a letter from the Sultan to the Governor of Krujë, which granted him control of the territory. After capturing the castle, Skanderbeg abjured Islam and proclaimed himself the avenger of his family and country. Following the capture of Krujë, Skanderbeg managed to bring together all the Albanian princes in the town of Lezhë (see League of Lezhë , 1444). Gibbon reports that
434-569: A noble title, but bore the titles of their husbands. Thus the spouse of a despot, the despotess ( despotissa ), had the right to bear the same insignia as he. Among the women of the court, the despotesses likewise took the first place after the empress. The use of the title spread also to the other countries of the Balkans. The Latin Empire used it to honour the Doge of Venice Enrico Dandolo and
496-628: Is also sometimes used generically for any small monarchy, especially for small sovereign states ruled by a monarch of a lesser rank than a king, such as a Fürst (usually translated in English as "prince"), as in Liechtenstein, or a Grand Duke . No sovereign duchy currently exists, but Luxembourg is a surviving example of a sovereign grand duchy. Historically there have been sovereign principalities with many styles of ruler, such as Countship , Margraviate and even Lordship , especially within
558-404: Is the best vehicle to realise the aspirations of a people, became popular in the late 19th century. A characteristic of nationalism is an identity with a larger region such as an area sharing a common language and culture. With this development, principalities fell out of favour. As a compromise, many principalities united with neighbouring regions and adopted constitutional forms of government, with
620-536: The Caesar another appellatory epithet, eutychestatos ( εὐτυχέστατος , 'most fortunate') or paneutychestatos ( πανευτυχέστατος , 'most fortunate of all'). During the last centuries of Byzantium's existence, the title was awarded to the younger sons of emperors (the eldest sons were usually crowned as co-emperors, with the title of basileus ) as well as to the emperor's sons-in-law ( gambroi ). The title entailed extensive honours and privileges, including
682-463: The "Albanians, a martial race, were unanimous to live and die with their hereditary prince" and that "in the assembly of the states of Epirus, Skanderbeg was elected general of the Turkish war and each of the allies engaged to furnish his respective proportion of men and money" . The Principality of Albania was an Albanian principality ruled by the formidable Albanian dynasty of Thopia . One of
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#1732782364925744-634: The Empire of Trebizond . With the political fragmentation of the period, the term gave rise to several principalities termed "despotates" which were ruled either as independent states or as appanages by princes bearing the title of despot; most notably the Despotate of Epirus , the Despotate of the Morea , the Despotate of Dobruja and the Serbian Despotate . In modern usage, the word has taken
806-590: The Holy Roman Empire . While the preceding definition would seem to fit a princely state perfectly, the European historical tradition is to reserve that word for native monarchies in colonial countries, and to apply "principality" to the European monarchies. Though principalities existed in antiquity, even before the height of the Roman Empire , the principality as it is known today developed in
868-471: The Middle Ages between 750 and 1450 when feudalism was the primary economic and social system in much of Europe. Feudalism increased the power of local princes within a 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 as the king's lands were broken into mini-states ruled by princes and dukes who wielded absolute power over their small territories. This
930-460: The Ottoman invasion in 1434. In 1380, Gjon Zenebishi was appointed sebastocrator or prefect of Vagenetia near Delvina and in 1386 he became prince. In 1399 Esau, supported by some Albanian clans, marched against his wife's brother-in-law Gjon Zenebishi of Gjirokastër. Now Esau was routed and captured, and much of his land was occupied by Zenebishi. Esau returned to Ioannina in 1400, regaining
992-541: The Palaiologoi , as well as the Latin Emperors who claimed their succession and imitated their styles, continued to use the term despotes in its more generic sense of 'lord' in their personal seals and in imperial coinage. In a similar manner, the holders of the two immediately junior titles of sebastokrator and Caesar could be addressed as despota ( δεσπότα ). The despot shared with
1054-534: The Serbian Empire it was widely awarded among the various Serbian magnates, with Jovan Oliver being the first holder, and it was held by lesser principalities as well, including the self-proclaimed Albanian despots of Arta . In the 15th century, the Venetian governors of Corfu were also styled as despots. As the title of despot was conferred by the emperor and usually implied a degree of submission by
1116-749: The Zaharia dynasty was Koja Zaharia who captured the castle of Dagnum in 1396 he proclaimed himself the Lord of Sati and Dagnum ("dominus Sabatensis et Dagnensis") and from there he ruled the territory around it as an Ottoman vassal. In October 1400 Koja proposed to the Venetians to simulate a battle in which he and his cousin Dhimitër Jonima would pretend to lose their possessions to the Venetians, in exchange for provision of 500 ducats annually. The Venetians did not promptly respond and Koja returned to
1178-637: The southern Albania coastal region between Durazzo and Valona , whose first known members were recorded in a document from the Republic of Ragusa as rulers of the territory. Temporary vassals of the Byzantine Emperors , at the beginning of the 14th century they accepted the supremacy of Philip of Taranto , who recaptured Durazzo in 1304 for the House of Anjou of the Kingdom of Naples . One of
1240-488: The 12th century, the honorific was used interchangeably with the more formal title of basileus . Although it was used for high-ranking nobles from the early 12th century, the title of despot began being used as a specific court title by Manuel I Komnenos , who conferred it in 1163 to the future King Béla III of Hungary , the Emperor's son-in-law and, until the birth of Alexios II in 1169, heir-presumptive. According to
1302-561: The 14th century that these principalities became stronger, especially with the fall of the Serbian Empire after 1355. Some of these principalities were notably united in 1444 under the military alliance called League of Lezhë up to 1480 which defeated the Ottoman Empire in more than 28 battles. They covered modern day Albania ,western and central Kosovo , Epirus , areas up to Corinth , western North Macedonia , southern Montenegro . The leaders of these principalities were some of
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#17327823649251364-487: The Byzantine world, these were chiefly the Despotate of Epirus and the Despotate of the Morea . The close association of title and territory began already from the late 13th century and became widespread from the mid-14th century, as a steady succession of despots began to rule over the same territory. Nevertheless, the term "despotate" is technically inaccurate: the title of despot, like every other Byzantine dignity,
1426-598: The Despotate of Arta weakened continuously. Among the animosities with the rulers of Janina Gjin's successor, Muriq Shpata , had to deal with the intentions of the Venetians and of Count Carlo I Tocco of Cefalonia . In 1416 he defeated Jakup Bua Shpata and conquered Arta, ending the Shpata dynasty. Principality of Gjirokastër (1373–1418) was a principality created by Gjon Zenebishi in 1386 and abolished after
1488-733: The Habsburgs in the War of the Spanish Succession (1701-1714), when these institutions were abolished by the Bourbons due to their support for the Habsburg pretender. "Principality of Asturias" is the official name of autonomous community of Asturias , however, the term "Principality of Catalonia" or simply "Principality" remains in popular and informal contexts to refer to the autonomous community of Catalonia . The term "principality"
1550-515: The Muzaka family started to rule in central Albania, however, one of the first notable rulers is the sebastokrator Andrea I Muzaka who ruled over Myzeqe . In 1335 the principality became a Despotate and was significantly expanded during the rule of Andrea II. The Muzaka family continued to be a formidable and influential dynasty in central Albania until 1417 when it eventually fell under the Ottoman Empire . Principality of Kastrioti (1389–1444)
1612-494: The Ottomans. The Ottoman sanjak of Dukagjin was named after the rule of the family in the areas that formed it. The principality formally existed until 1479, but in 1444 it was united by Skanderbeg with the other Albanian noble families. Despotate of Arta (1355–1416) was a Despotate , ruled by Albanian chieftains of Epirus . It was created after the defeat of Nikephoros II Orsini in 1358 and ceased to exist in 1416. After
1674-550: The awardee, the Palaiologan emperors tried long to persuade the Emperors of Trebizond , who also claimed the Byzantine imperial title, to accept the title of despot instead. Only John II of Trebizond and his son Alexios II , however, accepted the title, and even they continued to use the usual imperial title of basileus in their own domains. With the death of the last Byzantine Emperor Constantine XI on May 29, 1453,
1736-554: The characteristics of secular princes. Prior to the European colonialism, South Asia and South East Asia were under the influence of the Indosphere , where numerous Indianized principalities and empires flourished for several centuries in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Cambodia and Vietnam. The influence of Indian culture into these areas was given the term indianization . George Coedes defined it as
1798-528: The contemporary Byzantine historian John Kinnamos , the title of despot was analogous to Béla's Hungarian title of urum , or heir-apparent. From this time and until the end of the Byzantine Empire, the title of despot became the highest Byzantine dignity, which placed its holders "immediately after the emperor" ( Rodolphe Guilland ). Nevertheless, the Byzantine emperors from the Komnenoi to
1860-403: The control of large estates – the domains of Michael VIII's brother John Palaiologos for instance included the islands of Lesbos and Rhodes – to finance their extensive households. Like the junior titles of sebastokrator and Caesar however, the title of despot was strictly a courtly dignity, and was not tied to any military or administrative functions or powers. Women could not hold
1922-541: The creation of a despot became irregular. The title was granted by Pope Paul II to Andreas Palaiologos , heir to the Byzantine throne in 1465, and by the king of Hungary to the heirs of the Serbian Despotate . From the mid-14th century on, various territories were given to imperial princes with the rank of despot to rule as semi-autonomous appanages , some of which have become widely known in historiography as "despotates" (sing. δεσποτάτον , despotaton , in Greek); in
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1984-586: The death of Peter Losha in 1374, the Albanian despotates of Arta and Angelocastron were united under the rule of Despot Gjin Bua Shpata. The territory of this despotate was from the Corinth Gulf to Acheron River in the North, neighbouring with the Principality of Gjon Zenebishi , another state created in the area of the Despotate of Epirus . The Despotate of Epirus managed to control in this period only
2046-639: The distinction between those areas and the March of Wales . The Principality of Catalonia was a state located in the north-eastern area of the Iberian Peninsula and southern France between the late 12th and early 18th centuries, as the term for the political entity ruled by the Catalan Courts (the parliament) as a member of the composite monarchy of the Crown of Aragon , until the defeat of
2108-578: The domains of the Albanian Dukagjini family in northern Albania and western Kosovo in the 14th century and 15th century. At their maximum extent, the domains of the Dukagjini extended from Upper Zadrima in the northwest to the Plain of Dukagjini in western Kosovo. The political center of the Dukagjini family was Lezhë until 1393 when it was surrendered to Venice in order to not fall under
2170-487: The eastern part of Epirus , with its capital in Ioannina . During this period the Despotate of Epirus was ruled by Thomas II Preljubović , who was in an open conflict with Gjin Bua Shpata. In 1375, Gjin Bua Shpata started an offensive in Ioannina , but he couldn't invade the city. Although Shpata married with the sister of Thomas II Preljubović , Helena their war did not stop. After the death of Gjin Bua Shpata in 1399,
2232-511: The expansion of an organized culture that was framed upon Indian originations of royalty, Hinduism and Buddhism and the Sanskrit dialect . This can be seen in the spread of Hinduism and Buddhism . Indian honorifics also influenced the Malay , Thai , Filipino and Indonesian honorifics. In the colonial context, the term princely states was used, especially for those that came under
2294-695: The first millennium, and this trend subsequently led to the creation of such states as France , Portugal , and Spain . Another form of consolidation was orchestrated in Italy during the Renaissance by the Medici family. A banking family from Florence , the Medici took control of governments in various Italian regions and even assumed the papacy . They then appointed family members as princes and assured their protection. Prussia also later expanded by acquiring
2356-558: The first notable rulers is Tanusio Thopia who was count of Mat since 1328. The most influential figure from this dynasty as well one of the most influential figures of medieval Albania was Karl Thopia . The principality changed hands between the Thopia dynasty and the Balšić dynasty , until 1392, when Durrës was annexed by the Republic of Venice . The Mataranga family , who were wealthy in
2418-621: The geographical confines of the principality. Generally recognised surviving sovereign principalities are Liechtenstein , Monaco , and the co-principality of Andorra . Extant royal primogenitures styled as principalities include Asturias (Spain). The Principality of Wales existed in the northern and western areas of Wales between the 13th and 16th centuries; the Laws in Wales Act 1535 which legally incorporated Wales within England removed
2480-460: The house"), is also commonly used. The original Greek term δεσπότης ( despotes ) meant simply 'lord' and was synonymous with κύριος ( kyrios ). As the Greek equivalent to the Latin dominus , despotes was initially used as a form of address indicating respect. As such it was applied to any person of rank, but in a more specific sense to God (e.g. Revelation 6:10), bishops and
2542-463: The last members was the ruler Blasius Matarango who after Dusan's death ruled from 1355 until his death in 1367, after his death the territories of the Mataranga family were incorporated into the Principality of Albania . The Gropa family was one of the biggest and famous Albanian noble families in the eastern Albania. The dynasty controlled the region between Pogradec , Ohrid and Debar in
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2604-638: The local ruler of the Rhodope region, Alexius Slav . After ca. 1219 it was regularly borne (it is not clear whether the title was awarded by the Emperor or usurped) by the Venetian podestàs in Constantinople, as the Venetian support became crucial to the Empire's survival. In 1279/80, it was introduced in Bulgaria to placate the powerful magnate (and later Tsar) George Terter in 1279/80. During
2666-522: The monarch acting as a mere figurehead while administration was left in the hands of elected parliaments. The trend in the 19th and 20th centuries was the abolition of various forms of monarchy and the creation of republican governments led by popularly elected presidents. Several principalities where genealogical inheritance is replaced by succession in a religious office have existed in the Roman Catholic Church , in each case consisting of
2728-416: The most noted Balkan figures in the 14th and 15th centuries such as Gjin Bua Shpata , Andrea II Muzaka , Gjon Zenebishi , Karl Topia , Andrea Gropa , Balsha family, Gjergj Arianiti , Gjon Kastrioti , Skanderbeg , Dukagjini family and Lek Dukagjini . The Principality of Arbanon (1190–1255) was the first Albanian state during the Middle Ages . The proclamation of the feudal state of Arbanon , in
2790-512: The north of Albania, with Kruja as the capital took place in 1190. As the founder of this state is known Progoni and later on Gjini and Dhimiter. Nderfandina is known as the most important center of this principality. For this was spoken clearly by the emblem of Arbanon found carved on a stone in the Catholic Church of Saint Maria. After the fall of Progon Dynasty the principality came under Grigor Kamona and Gulam of Albania . Finally
2852-534: The patriarchs, and primarily the Roman and Byzantine Emperors . Occasionally it was used in formal settings, for example on coins (since Leo III the Isaurian ) or formal documents. During the 8th and 9th centuries, co-emperors appear on coinage with the address despotes , but this was still a mark of respect rather than an official title. Senior emperors were also occasionally addressed as despotes . Before
2914-512: The period 12th – 14th century. In 1218 a certain Andrea was mentioned as a powerful sebast. In 1273 is mentioned Pal Gropa which once again reconfirmed the domains of the Gropa family and were even given extended privileges by Charles I of Anjou in order to ensure his loyalty. The Gropa noble family ruled until 1395 when it fell under the rapid expansion of the Ottoman Empire . The first ruler of
2976-443: The principality was dissolved in 1255. The best period of the principality was under Dhimiter Progoni . Despotate of Angelokastron and Lepanto (1358–1374) was a Despotate , ruled by Albanian chieftains of Epirus . It was created after the defeat of Nikephoros II Orsini in 1358 and ceased to exist in 1374, when its despot, Gjin Bua Shpata , unified the territory with Despotate of Arta . The Principality of Valona (1346–1417)
3038-582: The reign from Zenebishi. Zenebishi was defeated by the Turks, he fled to the Venetian island of Corfu , but was called back two years later (1416) by an uprising of the mountain tribes. With the support of Venice, he again set his sights on Gjirokastra, but was chased away once more by the Turks and died in Corfu in 1418. The Lordship of Berat was a principality ruled by the Muzaka noble family. It's uncertain when
3100-559: The services provided to their citizens. Princes and dukes developed their lands, established new ports and chartered large thriving cities. Some used their new-found wealth to build palaces and other institutions now associated with sovereign states. While some principalities prospered in their independence, less successful states were swallowed by stronger royal houses. Europe saw consolidation of small principalities into larger kingdoms and empires . This had already happened in England in
3162-590: The status of sovereign principalities. Examples are Sealand , a former military fort in the North Sea ; Seborga , internationally considered a small town in Italy ; and Hutt River and Principality of Wy in Mosman , internationally considered to be in Australia . Despotate Despot or despotes ( ‹See Tfd› Greek : δεσπότης , translit. despótēs , lit. "lord, master")
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#17327823649253224-1208: The sultan. Koja continued to rule until 1430 when Ishak Bey captured Dagnum from Koja Zaharia in 1430 it was attached to the territory controlled by Ali Beg , while Koja was either imprisoned or expelled. After the Albanian Revolt of 1432–1436 was crushed the sultan entrusted Koja's son Lekë Zaharia with a position of Dagnum's governor. У октобру 1400. год. један скадарски фрањевац упознао јемлетачку владу са жељом Ко је Закарије да се приклони Млеча-нима, јер је турску власт прихватио наводно из нужде, и да засличан став придобије свог рођака Димитрија Јониму. Као господар Дања и Шатија, ... Предлагао је да се инсценира сукоб у коме би га Млечани побиједшш и ... Сам је као награду тражио млетачку провизију од 500 дуката годишње. Упркос привлачности понуде,Млечани су одложили коначну одлуку, поготову када се послијенеколико дана сазнало да је и сам. Која већ отишао султану.) Коју Закарију је или протјерао или заробио, а Дањ повјерио Али-бегу.) Када је арбанаски устанак скршен, султан је ... Предао је Дањ сину Које Закарије — Леки,) Principality A principality (or sometimes princedom ) can either be
3286-759: The sway of a European colonising power: for example the British Indian and neighbouring or associated (e.g., Arabian) princely states were ruled by monarchs called Princes by the British, regardless of the native styles, which could be equivalent to royal or even imperial rank in the Indigenous cultures. Principalities have also existed in ancient and modern civilizations of Africa , Pre-Columbian America and Oceania . Several micronations , which de facto have few characteristics of sovereign states and are not recognized as such, more or less seriously claim
3348-401: The territories of many other states. However, in the 17th to 19th centuries, especially within the Holy Roman Empire, the reverse was also occurring: many new small sovereign states arose as a result of transfers of land for various reasons. Notable principalities existed until the early 20th century in various regions of Germany and Italy . Nationalism , the belief that the nation-state
3410-402: The undisputed lord of Central Albania. Gjon Kastrioti was among those who opposed the early incursion of Ottoman Bayezid I , however his resistance was ineffectual. The Sultan, having accepted his submissions, obliged him to pay tribute and to ensure the fidelity of local rulers, Gjergj Kastrioti and his three brothers were taken by the Sultan to his court as hostages. Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg
3472-450: Was a medieval state roughly encompassing the territories of the modern Albanian counties of Vlorë (Valona) and Berat . Initially a vassal of the Serbian Empire , it became an independent lordship after 1355 until conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1417. Between 1355 and 1417, there were Bulgarian rulers from Asen family and rulers from the Balšić family . The Principality of Dukagjini ( Albanian : Principata e Dukagjinit ) refers to
3534-495: Was a senior Byzantine court title that was bestowed on the sons or sons-in-law of reigning emperors, and initially denoted the heir-apparent of the Byzantine emperor . From Byzantium it spread throughout the late medieval Balkans and was also granted in the states under Byzantine cultural influence, such as the Latin Empire , the Second Bulgarian Empire , the Serbian Empire and its successor states ( Bulgarian and Serbian : деспот , romanized : despót ), and
3596-415: Was described as "the ruler of Acarnania , the despot John" rather than "the despot of Acarnania" by the emperor-historian John VI Kantakouzenos ( r. 1347–1354 ). According to the mid-14th-century Book of Offices of Pseudo-Kodinos and the descriptions given by the historian George Pachymeres , the despot's insignia in the Byzantine court were characterised by the colours purple and white, and
3658-399: Was distinguished as one of the best officers in several Ottoman campaigns both in Asia Minor and in Europe, and the Sultan appointed him General. On 28 November 1443, Skanderbeg saw his opportunity to rebel during a battle against the Hungarians led by John Hunyadi in Niš as part of the Crusade of Varna . He switched sides along with 300 other Albanians serving in the Ottoman army. After
3720-637: Was especially prevalent in Europe , and particularly with the Princes of the Holy Roman Empire . During the Late Middle Ages from 1200 to 1500, principalities were often at war with each other as royal houses asserted sovereignty over smaller principalities. These wars caused a great deal of instability and economies were destroyed. Episodes of bubonic plague also reduced the power of principalities to survive independently. Eventually, agricultural progress and development of new trade goods and services boosted commerce between principalities. Many of these states became wealthy, expanded their territories and improved
3782-422: Was not hereditary nor intrinsic to a specific territory. Even in the so-called "despotates", a son of a despot might succeed to his father's territory but could not and would not hold the title unless it was conferred anew by the emperor. In normal Byzantine usage, a clear distinction was drawn between the personal dignity of despot and any other offices or attributes of its holder. Thus for instance John II Orsini
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#17327823649253844-426: Was one of the most important principalities in Medieval Albania. It was created by Gjon Kastrioti and then ruled by the national hero of Albania, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg . Gjon Kastrioti had originally only two small villages, which probably emblem of the eagle family with a black two-headed, even if it can provide different interpretations. In short time Gjon Kastrioti managed to expand its lands so as to become
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