We explain the difference between king and emperor with table. Since the existence of mankind, there has been a practice or tradition of rulers. A ruler is a person who brings together the entire population and works for their improvement. A ruler can also be referred to as king, emperor, leader, monarch, shahansha, etc. Each kingdom, nation, or country has a different title for the highest power in the kingdom.
King and Emperor are the two titles that are often confused with each other and as a result they are used interchangeably but they have some differences. A king is a ruler or head of a particular area or king and an emperor is a ruler of a larger empire and possesses all the power related to the empire.
The difference between king and emperor is that a king is the ruler of only one kingdom and has the powers to rule and make decisions related to that kingdom, the power is transferred to him by inheritance, by conquest or by elections, on the other hand, a Emperor is a ruler of a much larger empire and therefore he is known as the king of kings, he has the power over various territories or a group of nations.
Comparison table between king and emperor
| Comparison parameter | King | Emperor |
| What is it? | A king is the ruler of a particular area called a kingdom, he is the person who can make decisions regarding the kingdom. | An emperor is also known as the King of kings. An emperor is the ruler of an empire that is much larger compared to the kingdom. It is the supreme power of the empire. |
| Sources of being in power | Power is transferred to a king by inheritance, by election, or by conquest. | An emperor comes to power by inheritance or conquest. |
| Types of power in hand | A king has maximum power only within his kingdom, but he has nothing to do in other kingdoms. The title of the king is more of a political title because sometimes it is not the highest power in an area. | An emperor has the maximum powers in his hands since the entire empire is under him, that is, the absolute powers of the territory reside with him. |
| Dominant areas or scope of power | A king governs a homogeneous territory such as a country or nation or some particular kingdom. | An emperor is the ruler of a large territory, such as a group of several countries. |
| Divine state | Kings are sometimes called gods or people sent by God to help the people of their kingdoms. | Like King’s, emperors can also be considered as a God in their empires or a messenger or a person who is sent by God or who has divine powers. |
What is a king?
King is the title given to the male leader of the kingdom and its female equivalent is queen. A king is the ruler of a particular area which is often called a kingdom or nation.
A king comes to power by inheritance, by elections, and by conquest. The king is the highest order within a defined kingdom. The title of king is more defined for political purposes. A king rules a homogeneous territory such as a kingdom, a nation, or a country.
In the early days, people used to refer to a king as equivalent to God or a person sent by God to help them. In modern times, the title of king is used to refer to the ruler of modern monarchies.
What is an emperor?
An emperor is the sovereign ruler of an empire, his equivalent is an empress. An emperor is also entitled as King of kings as he is the highest rank. An emperor always hopes to annex more areas.
An emperor is given power by inheritance or by conquering an empire. An emperor rules a larger area, like a group of nations. An Emperor also has more powers in his hands, he makes important decisions related to the army, trade, development, etc.
In recent or modern times, Japan is the only country with an emperor.
Main differences between king and emperor
- A king is the ruler of a kingdom, while an emperor is the ruler of an empire.
- The king may not be the highest power in the realm, but an emperor is always the highest power in a territory, therefore an emperor has a higher rank compared to a king.
- Power is transferred to a king or emperor by inheritance, elections, or conquest.
- The title of king has more political purposes, while the title of emperor has the right to the absolute powers of the territory.
- A king always rules a homogeneous territory like a kingdom or nation, on the other hand, an emperor rules over an empire consisting of several kingdoms or nations.
- Both kings and emperors are sometimes known as a person sent by God to help people, an emperor is also known as the King of kings.
- A queen is known as a queen, while an empress is known as an empress.
- In the modern world, Spain is a country that has a king and Japan is the only country that has an emperor.
Final Thought
The king and emperor may differ in their ranks and powers, but both have the right to make decisions related to their respective region. Both work for the betterment of their region and its people. Both may have a council of ministers appointed to assist in making important decisions. In the modern world, it is rather to find an emperor since Japan is the only country that has an emperor, however a king is comparatively easier to find.
