Kingdom of
This article is about the kingdom form of government. For the place of the same name, see Kingdom (Jork).
The term kingdom refers to a state with a monarchical form of government, where the monarch is referred to as the king (or queen).
Closely related to the state concept in Christian theology is the expression Kingdom of God. On the basis of the books of the Bible one can trace the development of state kingship in antiquity, but in theology the term often has a figurative meaning.
Like today, the kingdoms of antiquity had various royal symbols. Generally, there were one or more capitals or royal residences, a royal court, and a standing army.
The word "kingdom" in itself does not give an accurate indication of a monarch's governmental structure, territorial extent, or power. Kingdoms in the past varied in size and influence from the strong world powers-Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Macedonia, and Rome-to small city kingdoms such as those in Canaan at the time of the Israelite conquest of the land. Moreover, the governmental structure may have varied greatly from kingdom to kingdom.
The great world empires that ruled vast territories and, moreover, tributary kingdoms, seem to have arisen from small city-states or tribal groups that eventually united under a ruling leader. Such coalitions were sometimes temporary and were often formed only when it was necessary to fight a common enemy.
A vassal kingdom is a kingdom dependent on another power, with 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 superior power.
Kingdoms existing today
See list of current monarchies in the article Monarchy.
See also
- Empire
- Grand Duchy
- Duchy
- Principality
- Satellite state = vassal state; vassal
