Does unlimited power have a detrimental effect on the human psyche? In any case, this notion is widespread in the popular discourse of modern societies. In German-speaking countries, it is condensed in the term 'Caesar madness', since Ludwig Quidde (1858-1941) tried to ironically demonstrate, using the example of Emperor Caligula and Wilhelm II, at the end of the 19th century that autocrats were particularly powerful because of their position of power are susceptible to mental disorders. The present anthology traces the origins of this topic of the 'insane ruler' in the ancient rulers' staging and in the monarchy discourse of the 19th and early 20th centuries and traces its effectiveness up to the present day. Using selected examples of the popular (especially filmic) staging of autocrats, it is shown how the classification of the ruler as 'crazy' serves to simplify the critical examination of rejected modes of rule.