The world’s worst monarchs from history
Some monarchs just weren't meant to rule – but who was the worst in history? From Caligula to King Louis XVI, discover some of the world’s worst monarchs.
Image: It was King Louis XVI's abysmal leadership and decision making that made him infamous | Public Domain
Throughout history, thousands of monarchs have ruled over countries around the world. However, not all of them were well suited to their role as a ruler. In fact, some of them were just plain terrible!
From cruel and tyrannical monarchs to incompetent and neglectful rulers, there are all sorts of horror stories associated with certain monarchs.
With this in mind, this article takes a look at some of the absolute worst monarchs from history who made themselves memorable figures for all the wrong reasons.
Queen Ranavalona I of Madagascar (1828-61)
Often thought to be one of the murderous women in history - dubbed the 'Mad Queen of Madagascar' - Ranavalona I made herself queen following the death of her husband Radama I.
She opted to enforce policies that encouraged self-sufficiency and isolationism, attempting to make Madagascar more independent via ruthless methods. This included violently suppressing Christianity through torture, enslavement and execution.
Ranavalona also established the use of fanompoana, which was forced labor used as tax payment. This labour was used to develop an army and complete projects and public works.
Madagascar suffered from an economic and population decline due to Ranavalona’s reign. However, her reign was polarising, with some supporting her as a defender of Madagascar's sovereignty.
King Louis XVI of France (1774-92)
Louis XVI of France was not considered a terrible monarch for being overtly cruel. Instead, it was his abysmal leadership and decision making that made him infamous.
France was in the midst of a financial crisis during Louis XVI’s reign, but rather than deal with the issues, the king made questionable choices. He not only had a penchant for indecisiveness, but he was also unable to form a connection with the French people.
These were factors that led to major events in French history: namely the French Revolution, Louis XVI’s execution and the abolishment of the monarchy in France.
Louis XVI is the perfect example of how incompetence and an inability to act can be just as dangerous as tyrannical behaviour.
Ivan IV of Russia (1547-1584)
Ivan The Terrible’s early years as the Tsar of Russia were surprisingly well received. It wasn’t until his wife Anastasia – whom he loved dearly and was a calming influence on him – died that Ivan began to spiral.
Ivan is best known for his tyrannical rule over Russia and his extreme paranoia. He became convinced that there were conspiracies against him. Because of this, he decided to embark on a rampage to repress pretty much everyone. From commoners to the clergy and boyars (Russian nobility), no one was safe from his reign of terror. Terrible by name, terrible by nature.
His repression was enacted by the Oprichnina, a state within a state governed by Ivan’s enforcers. The agents of the Oprichnina carried out Ivan’s tyranny by committing violent acts, such as executing those suspected of treason.
Caligula of Rome (37-41 CE)
Rome is infamous for having several monarchs who ruled with tyranny, including Caligula. Caligula had a short four year reign, but he is remembered for his cruelty and decadent ways.
Despite having a promising beginning, Caligula began to decline following a severe illness. His behaviour is said to have changed significantly following this illness, as he became more excessive and cruel.
Some of Caligula’s violent tendencies were enacted via political purges, such as the violent murders of the wealthy and senators. He would then confiscate their property and use it to fund his decadence.
Caligula is also known for behaving sadistically, enjoying public torture and executions. He also spent money from the imperial treasury on himself, ignoring the needs of the Roman people.
King Leopold II of Belgium (1865- 1909)
King Leopold II is best known for his horrific exploitation of the Congolese people with his establishment of the Congo Free State.
Leopold obtained control of the Congo via deceptive means. He did this in 1885 at the Berlin Conference by pretending that he had plans to engage in humanitarian and anti-slavery work. This was not the case though, as he instead utilized the Congolese people for his own gain.
Not only did Leopold exploit the resources of Congo, but he also created a horrific forced labour system. Those who didn't hit quotas would be punished, tortured or even executed. Under his rule, it is thought that around half the population of Congo perished from exhaustion, disease and starvation.
King Leopold’s manipulation of the media and facade of humanitarianism allowed him to perpetuate violence and slavery in the Congo and cause millions of deaths, making him one of the worst monarchs of all time.
