With time the principality grew into a grand duchy divided into several smaller principalities. But by sheer brute strength they would hold dominion over principalities and kingdoms. The northern principalities and kingdoms survived in their mountainous strongholds (see above). In fact, they served as outposts of Moscow influence in the neighboring principalities and republics. These cities were well organized and ruled as theocratic principalities. Some princesses are reigning monarchs of principalities. By then they had conquered most of the Russian principalities. The six upper escutcheons are joint depictions of various smaller principalities and "oblasts". Napoleon's dissolution of the Holy Roman Empire and reorganisation of the German principalities. Ottomans had to have special justification for conquering fellow Muslim Turkish principalities. The Tatars succeeded in establishing control over Ruthenian principalities. This rebellion directly led to independence of Serb principalities of Motenegro and Serbia. However, during their late period, more principalities formed in the Buyid confederation. Fortifications within Ancient Egypt were built in times of conflict between rival principalities. Pre-colonial Luzon were split among Hindu-Buddhist, Muslim principalities, and animist.