Throughout history, there have been numerous monarchs – some good, some bad, and many largely forgotten. Some monarchs, like Queen Elizabeth II, ruled for decades, but the reign of many others was much shorter. Although we tend to think of being a monarch as a job for life, the truth is, many monarchs have abdicated, essentially quitting. Sometimes they were coerced; sometimes they did it for personal reasons. Here we have a selection of ten monarchs from throughout history who decided to abdicate and give up their crowns.

Roman Emperor Diocletian abdicated in favor of his garden

As Roman emperors go, Diocletian had a pretty impressive track record. Reportedly the son of a slave, Diocletian had worked hard, and rose through the military ranks until he took control in 284 AD. Upon taking control, he realized that the empire had become too large, and was becoming increasingly likely to implode.

See Also:

ISIS Terrorists living in Turkey with their Yazidi captives

Knowing no one man could rule such a large empire, Emperor Diocletian split the empire in two, and claimed the eastern half for himself. He later divided it again, forming the tetrarchy. History shows that his plan worked; dividing the empire stabilized it and allowed it to survive for another two hundred years.

Read more: Ancient Origins