contested throne
Claimed by rivals
A contested throne is a position of royal power claimed by multiple rivals.
The phrase appears in discussions of succession disputes, civil wars, and palace intrigues: Three princes vied for the contested throne after the king died without naming an heir.
By extension, any leadership position facing competing claimants may be called a contested throne.
- successionFollowing in order
- line of successionSequence of potential heirs
- crownSovereign's ornamental headpiece
- heirOne who receives legacy
- usurperIllegal power seizer
claimant · dynasty · rival · sworn enemy · blood feud · bloodline · coup · rebellion · pretender · rightful · legitimacy · civil war · siege · betrayal · alliance · coronation · regent · power
political peace vs. conflict
contested thronepolitical stability
Enduring, predictable state authority
contest, contested, contesting, contests, contestable, uncontested, contestant, contestants, contestation