Ancient China

Yes. The position of ruler was passed from father to son. The ruler might have more than one wife, but he always had a main wife. The main wife's oldest son was in line for the throne. If her husband died, and her son was still a child, the main wife ruled on behalf of her son until he became of age. If she died, his grandmother stepped in and ruled until he became of age. That is how some women became female rulers. Dynasties