The use of nicknames or epithets to describe a royal was quite a common practice for a long time, especially since names and titles were handed down the family. It could therefore get a little confusing when speaking or writing about rulers, particularly with the lack of widespread photos, and so nicknames were extremely handy.
As people of high social status, many of the nicknames were naturally given in praise, or chosen for one of their impressive leadership qualities. But while we've all heard about Alexander the Great, there were many leaders who didn't have such wonderful qualities and were indeed well known for it. In other cases, they may have been a successful leader, but one painstaking detail became attached to them forever.
Intrigued? Then click through to see the powerful figures of history who ended up with hilariously unfortunate nicknames.