King facts for kids
A king is a man who rules a country. Kings usually get their power through inheritance, meaning they are born into a royal family. They become king when the previous ruler, often a parent or close relative, dies. Sometimes, a king might take the throne if the previous ruler decides to step down, which is called abdication. For example, George VI became king after his brother abdicated.
For much of history, kings ruled many countries, especially in Europe. Today, some countries, like France, no longer have kings or queens. However, others, such as the United Kingdom, still have a royal family and a monarch.
The wife of a king is called a queen. A woman who rules a country because she inherited the throne is also called a queen.
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What is a Monarchy?
If a country has a king or a queen, it is called a monarchy. The country that a king or queen rules over is known as a kingdom. In a monarchy, the ruler's power often passes down through their family.
How Kings Rule
Kings have ruled in different ways throughout history. Some kings had absolute power, meaning they made all the decisions for their country without anyone else's input. A famous example is Louis XIV of France, known as the "Sun King."
Other kings ruled with less power. In some countries, kings share power with a parliament or other elected officials. This is called a constitutional monarchy. In these systems, the king or queen often acts as a symbol of the country, while the government makes most of the laws.
Symbols of a King
Kings often use special items to show their power and importance. These include:
- A crown: A fancy headpiece worn by the king.
- A scepter: A decorative staff held by the king.
- An orb: A ball with a cross on top, representing the world and the king's rule over it.
These symbols are often used in coronations, which are ceremonies where a new king is officially crowned.
Famous Kings in History
Many kings have played important roles in shaping the world.
- Charlemagne (Charles the Great) was a powerful king who ruled a large empire in Europe over 1,200 years ago. He is sometimes called the "Father of Europe."
- Theodoric the Great was a king of the Ostrogoths who ruled parts of Italy a long time ago.
- Nezahualpiltzintli was an Aztec king from the ancient city of Texcoco.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Charlemagne or Charles the Great (748–814) was King of the Franks, King of the Lombards, and the first Holy Roman Emperor. Due to his military accomplishments and conquests, he has been called the "Father of Europe".
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The Iron Crown of the Lombards, a surviving example of an early medieval royal crown
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12th-century depiction of Theodoric the Great, King of the Ostrogoths.
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Louis XIV of France, the "Sun King" (Roi-Soleil), who ruled at the height of French absolutism (painting by Hyacinthe Rigaud, 1701).
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Aztec King Nezahualpiltzintli of Texcoco
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See also
In Spanish: Monarca para niños
