The correct answer is (C) Hereditary rulers (a line of); a line of rulers from the same family; a sequence of rulers from the same family, stock, or group. Also, the rule of such a sequence. In addition, a family noted for wealth or success.

Dynasty comes from French dynastie, Latin dynastia, Greek dynasthai (lordship). Greek dynasteia Greek dunasteia.

Examples of use:

• Those, who start dynasties, are often chosen by those whom they govern.
• The Ming dynasty was a famous line of succession in history.