The monarchies came to replace the ethnarchies through the combined influence of increased commerce between the different nations, and through the will to power of a few valorous men who forced the nations into amalgations under their rule.
The western monarchies were swallowed up by the Aigimorean Empire, and are scarcely remembered, but in the east, the kingdoms remained independent up until the coming of the Cargans.
The East was less urbanized, even its capitals were modest townships by modern standards.