How can a monarch come to power through election or conquest?

While heredity is the most common method of succession, monarchs may ascend to the throne through several other paths, including election and conquest.1

Conquest

Historically, warfare served as a primary means for individuals to acquire territory and establish themselves as rulers. Many prominent ancient monarchs first gained prominence as warrior-leaders, using military success to secure their positions. For example, the military accomplishments of Octavian, later known as Augustus, were instrumental in his rise to become the first emperor of the Roman Empire. Similarly, the expansion of empires often involved the forceful overthrow of existing regimes, as seen when Spanish forces conquered the Aztec and Inca empires.23

Election and Acclamation

Beyond heredity and conquest, monarchs may also come to power through election or acclamation. In some historical and political contexts, a society—such as a tribe or city population—may choose to elevate an indigenous leader who represents their interests and historical achievements. While modern monarchies are often constitutional and rely on democratic processes for the selection of government ministers, the monarch themselves may still be recognized through formal processes of investiture or public acclamation.124