View source for High King

A '''High King''' is a [[king]] who holds a [[Order of Precedence|position of seniority]] over other kings.

Possibly the best known example lies in the ''Ard Ri'' of [[Celtic]] [[Ireland]], although the authority here tended to be more ceremonial than actual (except within the king's own native [[realm]]).  In practice this meant that only claimants from the stronger clans had the opportunity to wield any real power over other sub-kings.

Another, more idealised, instance, was that of [[Prester John]], who claimed authority over many kings, but declined any higher [[rank]] himself.

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