Hassan II was the King of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999. A member of the Alaouite dynasty, which has ruled the country since the mid 17th century, he was the eldest son of Mohammed V, Sultan, and then King, of Morocco, and his second wife, Lalla Abla bint Tahar. Hassan was known as one of the most severe and autocratic rulers of Morocco, widely accused of authoritarian practices and civil rights abuses, particularly during the Years of Lead.