Changes

The [[Roman Empire]], though it started out as a democracy, 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 emperors either came to power by a military coup, or in a few cases were appointed on merit by their predecessor.

The [[Roman Empire]], though it started out as a democracy, 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 emperors either came to power by a military coup, or in a few cases were appointed on merit by their predecessor.