The Boy Kings
When we think of the term “Boy King”, most people instantly think of King Tut. However, there are many “boy kings” throughout the history of the world. King Tut wasn’t the only boy king of the ancient Egyptians. Pharaoh Pepe II ruled Egypt for more than 60 years, after ascending to the throne at the age of 6. In ancient Rome, Gordian III was named Emperor in 238 AD, at the age of 13. King Joash ruled the kingdom of Judah for 37 years, after taking his rightful place as ruler at the tender age of 7. King Alexander III of Scotland was born in 1241 AD and became king only 8 years later. Though they were only figureheads until they were old enough to rule on their own, many of histories great civilizations were ruled by boy kings.
Tags: Ancient Egypt, ancient kings, boy kings
Richard the Lionheart was made famous in the tales of Robin Hood, as one of the greatest kings England ever knew. However, the truth about Richard is less than flattering. He was the 3rd son born to King Henry II of England. Richard and his two older brothers spent many years revolting against their father, and in 1189, he was crowned king. Ironically, Richard only spent six months of his reign on English soil, as he was actually French. He drained the country’s wealth so that he could lead the Third Crusade into Jerusalem. In his absence, his younger brother John, attempted to plot a coupe and take the throne for himself. Though he was seen as one of England’s greatest kings, Richard the Lionheart never spoke a word of English.
Ancient Greeks believed in a pantheon of gods and goddesses, and relied upon them for all their worldly needs. However, everyone from the lowest slaves to the highest kings all relied upon one woman to foretell their futures; the Oracle of Delphi. Though there were many women who held this title, they were all combined into one category. The oracle was seated in a special room in the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. Archaeologists have found that there was a fissure in the rocks that allowed volcanic gases to rise and surround the oracle which induced hallucinations. These hallucinations led to the answers that she gave to those who sought her guidance, and led to some of the biggest decisions made in the ancient world.
One of them most well known stories to come out of the British Isles is that of an ancient king named Arthur. In 1136, Geoffrey of Monmouth wrote the chronicles of the Kings of Britain, and included the story of King Arthur. It was said that he was the greatest king in British history, and that when England needed him most, he would return. However, there was little else written about him. In recent years, though, evidence has come about that leads scholars to believe that these stories were based on a real person. There are a few references to a 5th or 6th century general by the name of Ambrosius, who helped the Britons fight against the Anglo-Saxons. Also, according to the story, King Arthur was born at Tintagel castle in what is now Cornwall. Among the ruins of this castle, an engraved slate was found bearing the name, "Arthnou", leaving many thinking that this could be a reference to King Arthur.
