King
King is a title given to a male monarch in a variety of contexts. The female equivalent is queen, which is also a title given to the wife of a king. In the context of prehistory, antiquity and contemporary indigenous peoples, the title may refer to tribal kingship. In a modern context, the title may refer to the ruler of a nation state or a constitutional monarchy.
Etymology[edit | edit source]
The English term king is derived from the Anglo-Saxon cyning, which in turn is derived from the Common Germanic *kuningaz. The Common Germanic term was borrowed into Estonian and Finnish at an early time, surviving in these languages as kuningas. The English term "king" translates, and is considered equivalent to, Latin rex and its equivalents in the various European languages.
History[edit | edit source]
The concept of kingship is ancient and can be found in many cultures around the world. It is often associated with the concept of a "divine right of kings", in which the monarch is thought to have been chosen by the gods to rule. This concept was prevalent in many ancient cultures, including the Egyptians, Chinese, and Romans.
In the Middle Ages, kingship was often hereditary, with the title of king passing from father to son. This tradition continues in many modern monarchies, although there are also examples of elective monarchies, where the king is chosen by a council of nobles or other important figures.
Roles and responsibilities[edit | edit source]
The roles and responsibilities of a king can vary greatly depending on the culture and time period. In general, a king is expected to rule his kingdom and protect his people. This can involve making laws, leading the military, and representing the kingdom in diplomatic matters. In some cultures, the king is also seen as a spiritual leader or a representative of the gods.
In modern constitutional monarchies, the role of the king is often largely ceremonial. The king may have limited political power and his duties may include opening and closing sessions of parliament, giving royal assent to legislation, and performing ceremonial duties.
See also[edit | edit source]
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