In [[Kingdom of Great Britain|Great Britain]] (from 1801 the [[United Kingdom]]), on the other hand, went in totally the opposite direction, and the monarchs were gradually stripped of their powers until very few remain today.
The [[Roman Empire]], though it started out as a [[republic]], evolved into an absolute military [[dictatorship]]. Whether it was ever a hereditary monarchy, however, is debatable at best. While certain families did manage to found dynasties that lasted for two or three generations, the vast majority of [[emperor]]s either came to power by a military [[coup]], or in a few cases were appointed on merit by their predecessor.
==See also==