The Greek monarchy refers to the historical system of governance in which a king or queen ruled over Greece. This system was prominent in ancient times, particularly during the Classical Era, when city-states like Athens and Sparta had different forms of leadership. The monarchy often involved hereditary succession, where power was passed down through royal families. In modern times, the Greek monarchy was established in the 19th century, following Greece's independence from the Ottoman Empire. The last king, King Constantine II, reigned until 1973, when Greece became a republic. The monarchy has since been abolished, but it remains a significant part of Greece's historical narrative.