I vaguely recall a story about an ancient temple that was occupied by whoever killed the prior occupant. The killer acquired the temple and the right to occupy it (and possibly receive food or a stipend?), subject to his tenure being ended when his successor arrived and killed him. Does this ring a bell with anyone else?
I’m familiar with Seneca’s observation that “no matter how many men you kill, you can’t kill your successor.” I thought that it might have some relation to the story, but I haven’t been able to find a connection.
This probably belongs in GQ. The references are pretty old and rather spotty, but there are enough of them that it appears to have been a real institution, albeit a minor and local one of unclear origins. Apparently a slave could in effect free himself by going and killing the existing officeholder. There’s not a great deal of evidence, although it seems the spot was actually a popular retreat for those hoping for healing at the sanctuary of Diana.