To protect their kings, ancient Mesopotamians discovered how to predict eclipses, which were associated with the deaths of rulers. This eventually led to the birth of astronomy.
Denmark’s King Frederik X wipes away a tear as he waves to a crowd of 300,000 people.
Martin Meissner/AP Photo
The ‘divine right of kings’ may sound obsolete, but it has resonances today. Richard II asks what it means to have power, to take power – and what we’re left with when it’s gone.
In Westeros, Rhaenyra finds herself in a power struggle akin to that of the real-life Empress Matilda, who lived from 1102 to 1167.
HBO
During a two-decade period of English history known as the Anarchy, a woman sought to make the then-unprecedented move of ascending to the English throne.
Marc Antony, left, offers Julius Caesar a crown; Caesar refuses.
Bettman/Getty Images
The divine right of kings was dismantled after a bloody conflict nearly 400 years ago. The impulse which led to that change should protect us from the reign of the White House emperor.
The Bayeux tapestry: Harold swears his oath to William.
Lucas/flickr