UNCHARTED
Pop culture loves a dynastic family, where one family rules for generations. While there are many romantic myths surrounding dynasties, in reality the majority were nepotistic, feudal and often despotic. The newest dynastic darlings of the small screen are the Romanovs— brutally gunned down in 1918 by Bolsheviks in the Russian Revolution. Today, many of the ruling families are constitutional monarchies—which have mainly symbolic roles—and behave better, if only because the public demands it. However, there are still some absolute monarchies around, proving that absolute power can indeed corrupt absolutely. —Paula Froelich
01: CHRIS ALLERTON/AFP/GETTY