Final answer:
When a king died without a heir, it created uncertainty and instability in the succession of the throne. This could lead to power struggles, civil wars, or foreign invasions. Examples from ancient Egypt, China, and England illustrate the consequences of lacking a clear heir.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a king died without a heir, it was a problem because it created uncertainty and instability in the succession of the throne. In monarchies, the succession to the throne was often based on blood lineage, meaning that the king's son or closest male relative would typically inherit the crown. Without a clear heir, there was a risk of power struggles, civil wars, or foreign invasions as different factions or claimants attempted to seize the throne.
For example, in ancient Egypt, the kings often married their sisters or daughters to maintain the purity of the royal bloodline. However, this practice led to inbreeding and health problems among the royal family. In the case of the Zhou Dynasty in China, the Holy Bone, a symbol of supreme power, was passed down from ruler to ruler. But when Queen Chindok died childless, the other aristocrats had to establish rules for succession, leading to conflicts and instability.
In the case of England, when Elizabeth I died without a direct heir, the throne passed to her first cousin, James VI of Scotland. James faced difficulties in establishing his authority and clashed with Parliament, leading to divisions and fiscal chaos in the country.