The monarchy is perhaps one of the oldest forms of government in the world. It is a hereditary, lifetime and single-person position that has been transmitted throughout history and that today is still very much in force in many countries of the world.
The monarchy controlled the main European countries but little by little they were weakened and the democratic regimes seized power, relegating the main monarchies to a more testimonial and secondary role. Even so, there are many countries in the world in which the monarchy still holds all political, social, executive and economic power.
Older monarchies that are still in force
According to legend, Japan would be the country that has the oldest monarchy in the world today . This monarchy was established around 600 years BC when Emperor Jimmu came to the throne of the country . Being the son of Ameterasu, son of the sun, subsequent generations of emperors had divinity status as sons of the sun descendants of Ameteresu.
This divinity status was lost by the emperor after World War II, when Japan lost the war.
Morocco
The Moroccan monarchy is also one of the oldest in the world. The first dynasty that reigned in the African country is dated from the year 789. That year, Idris I conquered a series of Berber tribes and founded some important cities in Morocco . His son, Idris II, founded Fez, one of the most famous cities in the country, and subsequent generations established the monarchy in Morocco.
Cambodia
According to sources, King Jayavarman II was the first king of Cambodia in 802. Since that year, the African country has had a king as its president. Currently it is an institution that controls all political and judicial power, although it has the presence of a prime minister.
United Kingdom
The British monarchy is the oldest in Europe that is still in force today in the person of Elizabeth II. According to European history, between 802 and 839 the King of Wessex, Egbert, officially became the first king of the British crown.
It was in the early 18th century when England and Scotland were united that the English kingdom became known as such.
Norway
The other great European monarchy comes from Norway. Its history dates back to 886 when Harald Fairhair united the territories that today make up the Scandinavian nation.
After many years of history, since 1905 the Glüscksburg House holds the monarchical power in Norway.
