Editing Principality (section)

===Development===
Though principalities existed in antiquity, even before the height of the [[Roman Empire]], the principality as it is known today developed in 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 king's authority 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 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 new trade goods and services developed commerce between principalities. Many of these states became wealthy, expanded their territories, and improved the services provided to their citizens. Princes and dukes developed their lands, established new ports, and chartered large, thriving cities. Some used their newfound wealth to build palaces and other institutions now associated with sovereign states.