I was always confused why ancient societies would randomly let the emperor's son ascend to the throne or why the praetorian guard or military elite would cheer and hail the son of the dead king, now I understand.
@Alkibiades_ I'd suggest 'randomly' isn't the best wording here.. the son shares the strongest genetic (and often cultural, ideological, etc) connection to the father and his lineage. If he ruled well and proved capable, the son is the next best bet, broadly speaking - perfectly sensible.
@Alkibiades_ It's intriguing, as a Brit, to see Americans fill the vacuum of not having a monarchy with a love family dynasties in your politics. It's like human nature yearns for it...
@Alkibiades_ The prince that was promised
@Alkibiades_ Holy cow. What are they feeding that boy?
@Alkibiades_ Easiest way for you to secure steady employment is to proclaim the emperor's son
@Alkibiades_ When the foundation of your culture is aristocratic selective breeding royal bloodlines are naturally exalted.