When the line of succession dictates that a close relative must die in order for you to take power, family loyalty becomes a little blurry. Many power-hungry rulers in history only got to the top by taking out members of their bloodline. Others simply killed off their closest competitors as a precautionary measure. In certain parts of the world, murdering your siblings to secure your crown was commonplace!
A surprising number of the most famous leaders in history are guilty of executing their family members. Click through the gallery to learn about these cruel and tragic circumstances.