The Most Notorious Monarchs in History: Rulers with Dark Legacies
Throughout history, thousands of monarchs have ruled over nations across the globe. However, not all of them were well-suited to their roles as rulers. In fact, some were simply dreadful!
From cruel and tyrannical monarchs to incompetent and neglectful rulers, there are numerous horrifying tales associated with certain kings and queens. This article highlights some of the absolute worst monarchs in history, those who have etched their names in history for all the wrong reasons.
Queen Ranavalona I of Madagascar (1828-1861)
Often regarded as one of the most murderous women in history, Queen Ranavalona I, known as the 'Mad Queen of Madagascar', ascended to the throne following the death of her husband, King Radama I. She implemented policies aimed at promoting self-sufficiency and isolationism, attempting to make Madagascar more independent through brutal methods. This included violently suppressing Christianity through torture, enslavement, and executions.
Ranavalona also established the fanompoana, a system of forced labor used as a form of tax payment. This labor was exploited to build an army and complete public works projects.
Under her reign, Madagascar suffered from economic decline and a significant decrease in population. Despite this, her rule was polarizing, with some supporting her as a defender of Madagascar's sovereignty.
King Louis XVI of France (1774-1792)
Louis XVI is not considered a terrible monarch due to overt cruelty, but rather because of his disastrous leadership and poor decision-making, which made him infamous.
France was in the midst of a financial crisis during his reign, but instead of addressing the issues, the king made questionable choices. His indecisiveness and inability to connect with the French people were key factors that led to major events in French history, such as the French Revolution, his execution, and the abolition of the monarchy in France.
Louis XVI stands as the perfect example of how incompetence and an inability to act can be as dangerous as tyrannical rule.
Ivan IV of Russia (1547-1584)
Ivan the Terrible's early years as Tsar of Russia were surprisingly well-received. However, after the death of his beloved wife Anastasia, who was a calming influence on him, Ivan's rule took a dark turn.
Ivan is best known for his tyrannical reign over Russia and his extreme paranoia. Convinced that conspiracies were being plotted against him, he embarked on a campaign of repression that targeted nearly everyone, from commoners to clergy and the Russian nobility. No one was safe from his reign of terror.
This oppression was carried out by the Oprichnina, a state within a state, governed by Ivan's enforcers, who committed violent acts such as executing those suspected of treason.
.jpg "Ivan IV of Russia (1547-1584)")
Caligula of Rome (37-41 CE)
Rome is infamous for having several tyrannical emperors, with Caligula being one of the most notorious. Although his reign lasted only four years, he became infamous for his cruelty and decadence.
After a severe illness, Caligula's behavior changed dramatically, becoming more excessive and sadistic. Some of his violent tendencies were seen in political purges, such as the brutal murders of the wealthy and senators, followed by the confiscation of their property to fund his lavish lifestyle.
Caligula was also notorious for his sadistic enjoyment of public torture and executions, as well as for spending imperial funds on himself, completely ignoring the needs of the Roman populace.
King Leopold II of Belgium (1865-1909)
King Leopold II is best known for his horrific exploitation of the Congolese people through his creation of the Congo Free State.
Leopold obtained control over the Congo through deceptive means at the 1885 Berlin Conference, where he claimed to be engaging in humanitarian and anti-slavery efforts. In reality, he exploited the Congolese people for personal gain.
Not only did Leopold exploit the Congo's resources, but he also established a brutal forced labor system. Those who failed to meet work quotas were punished, tortured, or even executed.
Under his rule, it is estimated that around half of the Congolese population perished from exhaustion, disease, and starvation. Leopold's manipulation of the media to maintain the facade of humanitarianism allowed him to perpetuate violence and slavery in the Congo, leading to the deaths of millions and cementing his legacy as one of the worst monarchs in history.
.jpg "King Leopold II of Belgium (1865-1909)")
Article source