Throughout history, there have been numerous monarchs who have held power for decades, some even for entire lifetimes. They all left lasting marks on their countries, cultures, and histories. Here’s a look at some rulers who defined their eras.
Louis XIV
The reign of the Sun King lasted a staggering 72 years and 110 days. He wasn’t exactly off to a normal start, given that he became king at just four, with his mother stepping in as regent. It was during his rule that France became the center of European power, and he transformed the monarchy into a symbol of absolute power.
Queen Elizabeth II
At just 25, Queen Elizabeth II took the throne, and there she stayed for 70 years—longer than anyone in British history. She worked with 15 prime ministers, dealt with 14 U.S. presidents, and adapted to stay relevant as the world changed around her.
Johann II
Prince Johann II is best known for taking important steps that shaped the modern state of Liechtenstein, including writing the first constitution and eliminating the defense forces to save on costs. His era was defined by solid leadership, even if it was a little under the radar compared to the more famous country heads of the time.
Bhumibol Adulyadej
After his brother’s mysterious passing, the young king ascended the throne and ruled Thailand for 70 incredible years. His reign, one of the longest in modern history, was marked by his constant dedication to the people. He worked night and day to help his country thrive politically and economically.
K’inich Janaab’ Pakal I
You may have heard of Pakal the Great, who presided over Palenque for almost seven decades. His name was accurate, since he turned a vulnerable city into a powerful cultural and political center. To this day, he is remembered for the grandeur of the Temple of Inscriptions, which is also his burial place.
Franz Joseph I
Despite facing enormous personal tragedies, including the passing of his wife and his son, Franz Joseph held his empire together. He waded through a sea of great upheaval, and just when Europe was on the cusp of great change, his leadership came to an end.
Constantine VIII
Your history book may have contained stories of the luxury of leisure back when Constantine headed the Byzantine Empire. His brother, Basil II, has been put in charge of expanding the empire, while the monarch himself enjoyed the finer things in life for 51 years.
Sobhuza II
There aren’t many examples of kings who began their reigns as infants, but King Sobhuza II of Swaziland (now Eswatini) is one of them. He led his country through profound change, from being a British Protectorate to finally gaining independence in 1968.
Queen Victoria
The Industrial Revolution, advancements in science, and massive social changes all occurred under the watch of Queen Victoria. While her time as the head of the country may have had its fair share of challenges, the Queen remained an enduring symbol of stability and strength for many.
James I
James the Conqueror ruled the Kingdom of Aragon for 63 years, which were marked by his military conquests, particularly in the Balearic Islands and Valencia. He was a strategic leader who spent much of his reign expanding his influence and laid the foundation for the future of the Iberian Peninsula.
Hirohito
The man who took Japan from imperial power through World War II and into a peaceful, post-conflict era ruled the country for more than six decades. He was at the heart of the complex 20th-century history of the region and went on to rebuild international relations and the economy.
Kangxi Emperor
As the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty, Kangxi wanted to become influential in all parts of the region and beyond. For this reason, he devoted his resources and energy to strengthening the empire and opening China up to international trade. The country flourished in his time, and the emperor became a patron of the arts and education.
Christian IV
A legacy was left behind by Christian IV, who stayed in charge of Norway and Denmark for 60 years. He oversaw the creation of new towns, along with the construction of the iconic Frederiksborg Castle, putting his power to good use. And despite the failures he faced in conflicts, the ruler’s contributions to architecture and urban development have lived on.
Friedrich Günther
Only a teenager, Friedrich Günther, was handed control of an entire region. Unsurprisingly, much of his era was spent under the regency of his mother. But once he came of age, the monarch saw the place through a period of political instability and ensured it came out strong in the end.
George III
George III presided over Britain amid the American Revolution, the Napoleonic Wars, and the eventual loss of the American colonies. He was initially seen as a strong, steady monarch, but his later years were marked by personal and political challenges, including bouts of mental illness that ultimately affected his rule.