octarchy
/ˈɑktɑrki/
noun
- A government or ruling body made up of eight people or groups.
- The ancient city was governed by an octarchy of eight elders.
- The council formed an octarchy to share power among eight representatives.
- Some historians describe the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms as an octarchy.
- A group of eight states or territories that are united under a single authority.
- The octarchy met annually to discuss common laws and defense.
- The alliance of eight provinces was known as the octarchy.
- In medieval times, the octarchy controlled trade across the region.