Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor
1557 – 1619 · Generation XI · Holy Roman Emperor (r. 1612–1619) · Austrian Habsburgs
Matthias (1557 – 1619). Holy Roman Emperor (r. 1612–1619). Married Anna in 1611. Deposed his brother Rudolf II; no surviving children. As a young man he accepted, against the will of his uncle Philip II, the rebel Dutch provinces' invitation to serve as their governor-general; the religious peace he framed left its mark on the Union of Utrecht. Back home he governed Austria for his brother, put down peasant revolts with mercenaries, and then led the family's campaign against the failing Rudolf — brokering peace with the Ottomans and the Hungarians, marching on Prague, and prising away Hungary, Austria, Moravia and finally Bohemia before taking the imperial title. In power he showed little initiative of his own, leaving policy to Cardinal Melchior Klesl, and moved the court from Prague back to Vienna. The Bohemian Revolt that opened the Thirty Years' War broke out in his final year.
One of 23 people of Austrian Habsburgs (1527–1740) in this archive. The Vienna line, which held the Holy Roman crown almost without a break.
Line of descent: Rudolf I of Germany → Albert I of Germany → Albert II, Duke of Austria → Leopold III, Duke of Austria → Ernest, Duke of Austria → Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor → Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor → Philip I of Castile → Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor → Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor → Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor.
Parents
- Maximilian II, Holy Roman Emperor (1527 – 1576)
- Maria of Austria, Holy Roman Empress (1528 – 1603)
Siblings
- Anna of Austria, Queen of Spain (1549 – 1580)
- Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor (1552 – 1612)
Partners
- Married Anna of Tyrol (1585 – 1618) in 1611
Life
- 1557 — Born
- 1611 — Married Anna
- 1619 — Died