Which historical entities are considered the origins of modern states?

The Greek city-states are often considered the origins of modern states due to their embodiment of key characteristics foundational to statehood. These city-states, such as Athens and Sparta, operated as independent political entities with their own governments, laws, and militaries. They engaged in trade, diplomacy, and conflicts with one another, establishing a sense of sovereignty that would become a hallmark of modern nation-states.

The development of political institutions in these city-states laid the groundwork for later concepts of citizenship and governance. The notion of a defined territory governed by a centralized authority began to take shape during this period, particularly through the establishment of democracy in Athens. This idea of a people governing themselves is a precursor to modern democratic systems, influencing the way states are organized today.

In contrast, feudal kingdoms, tribal confederacies, and emperor-led empires represent variations of political organization that do not emphasize the same principles of sovereignty and collective governance that characterize modern nation-states. Feudal systems were based more on personal allegiances and land ownership than on the concept of a unified political identity. Tribal confederacies typically lacked the centralized authority needed to form a coherent state structure. Emperor-led empires often operated on vast territories with diverse populations, but they