Dynasty

A dynasty is a line of rulers from the same family. This usually happens in kingdoms and empires, but it can also happen in other places.

Historians use dynasties to help organize history. Important places like the Roman Empire, Imperial Iran, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient and Imperial China have dynasties. By looking at which family was in charge, we can understand how these places changed over time.

In the past, dynasties often passed power from one son to another in the same family. If a daughter became ruler and married into another family, it could start a new dynasty. Today, in monarchies in Europe, the family name stays the same even when a woman becomes ruler.

Terminology

The word "dynasty" comes from a Greek word meaning "power" or "lordship". We often use it to talk about families of rulers. Sometimes we use it for other powerful families, like a family that owns a big company or a family of famous actors.

A ruling family is called a "noble house". This house might be called imperial, royal, princely, ducal, comital, or baronial, depending on the titles of its members. For example, we often talk about the House of Habsburg.

A ruler from a dynasty is called a "dynast". This word can also mean any family member who could become the next ruler. For instance, King Edward VIII stopped being a dynast of the House of Windsor when he gave up his position.

A "dynastic marriage" is a marriage that follows the rules of royal families. This means the children can inherit the throne or royal privileges. For example, the marriage of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands to Máxima Zorreguieta was dynastic. Their child, Princess Catharina-Amalia, is next in line to be the Crown of the Netherlands.

History

Historians use dynasties to learn about the past of many countries and cultures. For example, they study Ancient Iran, Ancient Egypt, and Ancient and Imperial China by looking at the families that ruled them. When we say "a Ming dynasty vase," we mean something made when that family was in charge.

In the past, most royal families passed power from one son to the next. But today, in many places, a daughter can also become the ruler and keep the same family name. This change has helped keep the names of royal families like the House of Windsor and the House of Orange-Nassau alive, even when a queen was the ruler.

Longevity

Dynasties that lasted for at least 200 years are listed below.

Extant sovereign dynasties

For non-sovereign dynasties currently ruling subnational monarchies, see Non-sovereign monarchy and List of current constituent monarchs.

There are 43 sovereign states with a monarch as head of state. 41 of these are ruled by families that pass leadership from one family member to another. Right now, there are 26 such ruling families around the world.

Political families

Main articles: Political family and List of political families

In places where leaders are chosen by voting, power often stays in the same family for many years. This can happen in countries with elected leaders or in monarchies where the ruler decides who comes next. Reasons for this include family reputation, influence, traditions, and sometimes people choosing family members for important jobs.

Hereditary dictatorship

See also: Personalist dictatorship and Absolute monarchy

In some dictatorships, the ruler keeps power in their family by choice. The ruler might prepare a family member to take over while they are still alive, or after they pass away, another family member might become the leader.

Influential wealthy families

Main article: List of wealthiest families

Some families have been very rich and powerful for many years. They often live in big houses and own lots of land. These families can help make important decisions and support artists, scientists, and leaders. Their wealth and status can last for many generations.