Please help me understand this sentence.

Question

Architectural theorists assumed that their city would stand over a subject territory, but in their works the functional integration of city and country so clear in Lorenzetti's frescos is replaced by an urbanisation of the countryside — an extension of urban authority by means of the principles of reason and proportion developed in the city.

I couldn't figure out what the "subject territory" means in this sentence, especially what the "subject" means in this context. Is it a noun? Or an adjective? Does "subject territory" mean a physical territory? Or a territory subordinates to another territory (in this case, the city)?

Thanks a lot!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

'Subject' is modifying 'territory', of which the city is presumably the capital.

Janewantslearn · Answer

Hi Mister Micawber,

Thank you very much for answering my question. Could you explain it in a little more detail? I still can't figure out the meaning of "subject" though I can understand the whole sentence now.

Thanks,

jane

Mister Micawber · Answer

janewantslearnI still can't figure out the meaning of "subject"

Meaning #18: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/subject

Janewantslearn · Answer

Hi Mister Micawber,

Thank you very much! And I like the dictionary you mentioned very much!

Please help me understand this sentence.

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