Principality#

Summary#

A principality is one of the two fundamental forms of political governance, alongside republics, referring to states ruled by a single prince. Principalities may be hereditary, where power passes within an established family, or newly acquired through fortune, ability, or even wickedness. The strength of a principality depends on whether its prince can defend it independently through his own arms and resources, or must rely on fortifications and the goodwill of his people.

Mentioned In#

• I. How Many Kinds of Principalities There Are, and by What Means They Are Acquired ↖ The Prince
• VIII. Concerning Those Who Have Obtained a Principality by Wickedness ↖ The Prince
• X. Concerning the Way in Which the Strength of All Principalities Ought to Be Measured ↖ The Prince
• XII. How Many Kinds of Soldiery There Are, and Concerning Mercenaries ↖ The Prince
• XX. Are Fortresses, and Many Other Things to Which Princes Often Resort, Advantageous or Hurtful? ↖ The Prince