Viceroyalty

A viceroyalty was a large administrative region governed by a viceroy on behalf of a monarch, typically during the colonial era. The viceroy acted as the king's representative, overseeing local governance, military defense, and economic activities within the territory. This system allowed European countries like Spain and Portugal to manage vast territories across the Americas, Asia, and Africa effectively. Viceroyalties helped maintain control, organize administration, and ensure loyalty to the empire, functioning as a bridge between the central government and distant colonies. Examples include New Spain and Peru in the Spanish Empire.