Kaiser Maximilian

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Maximilian I
Holy Roman Emperor
Portrait by Albrecht Dürer, 1519
Reign	4 February 1508 – 12 January 1519
Coronation	4 February 1508
Predecessor	Frederick III
Successor	Charles V
Born	22 March 1459 Wiener Neustadt, Archduchy of Austria
Died	12 January 1519 (aged 59) Wels, Archduchy of Austria
Burial	Castle Chapel, Wiener Neustadt
Spouse	Mary of Burgundy
Issue	Philip the Handsome
House	House of Habsburg
Father	Frederick III, Holy Roman Emperor
Mother	Eleanor of Portugal, Holy Roman Empress
Religion	Roman Catholic

Maximilian I (22 March 1459 – 12 January 1519) was Holy Roman Emperor from 1508 until his death in 1519. He was a member of the House of Habsburg and the son of Frederick III and Eleanor of Portugal. Maximilian expanded the influence of the Habsburgs through both war and marriage, most notably by marrying Mary of Burgundy, which brought the rich Burgundian territories into the Habsburg sphere.

Early Life

Maximilian was born in Wiener Neustadt, in the Archduchy of Austria. He was the son of Frederick III and Eleanor of Portugal. His early education was overseen by his father, who ensured that Maximilian was well-versed in the arts of war and governance.

Marriage and Burgundian Inheritance

In 1477, Maximilian married Mary of Burgundy, the heiress to the Duchy of Burgundy. This marriage significantly increased the power and influence of the Habsburgs, as it brought the wealthy Burgundian territories under their control. The couple had one son, Philip the Handsome, who would later become the father of Charles V.

Reign as Holy Roman Emperor

Maximilian was elected King of the Romans in 1486 and became Holy Roman Emperor in 1508. His reign was marked by numerous military campaigns and efforts to consolidate Habsburg power. He was involved in the Italian Wars, seeking to expand his influence in Italy. Maximilian also worked to strengthen the Holy Roman Empire through administrative reforms and the promotion of the Imperial Diet.

Cultural Patronage

Maximilian was a notable patron of the arts and sciences. He supported the work of artists such as Albrecht Dürer and was instrumental in the development of the Renaissance in the German-speaking world. His court became a center of cultural and intellectual activity, attracting scholars, artists, and scientists from across Europe.

Death and Legacy

Maximilian died on 12 January 1519 in Wels, in the Archduchy of Austria. He was succeeded by his grandson, Charles V, who would go on to rule an empire spanning much of Europe and the Americas. Maximilian's efforts to expand and consolidate Habsburg power laid the groundwork for the future dominance of the Habsburg dynasty.

See Also

• House of Habsburg
• Holy Roman Empire
• Italian Wars
• Renaissance