Succession disputes were often accompanied by widespread violence and instability. They could lead to civil wars, the weakening of royal authority, and the rise of regional powers. However, they also prompted developments in law and governance, such as clearer succession laws and stronger institutions to manage transitions. Moreover, these confl

The Role of Nobility and the Church The nobility and the Church played pivotal roles in succession. Powerful lords could support or oppose candidates, influencing outcomes through military might or political maneuvering. The Church, particularly the papacy, often endorsed rulers to strengthen its own authority, excommunicating rivals or crowning k

The Middle Ages, spanning roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century, was a period marked by profound political, social, and cultural transformation in Europe. One of the most defining features of this era was the complex and often brutal process of royal succession — the passing of kingship or queenship from one ruler to another. This process

Despite its great achievements, the Mali Empire began to decline in the late 14th century due to a combination of internal strife, succession disputes, and pressure from rising neighboring powers such as the Songhai Empire. By the 15th century, the empire's control weakened, and by the 16th century, much of its territory had been absorbed by the