Philip II of Spain

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Philip II
King of Spain
File:Philip II of Spain by Sofonisba Anguissola - 002b.jpg Portrait by Sofonisba Anguissola, 1565
Reign	16 January 1556 – 13 September 1598
Predecessor	Charles I
Successor	Philip III
Born	21 May 1527 Palace of Pimentel, Valladolid, Crown of Castile
Died	13 September 1598 (aged 71) El Escorial, Crown of Castile
Burial	El Escorial
Spouse	Maria Manuela of Portugal Mary I of England Elisabeth of Valois Anna of Austria
Issue	Isabella Clara Eugenia Catherine Michelle of Spain Philip III of Spain
House	House of Habsburg
Father	Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor
Mother	Isabella of Portugal
Religion	Roman Catholicism

Philip II of Spain (21 May 1527 – 13 September 1598) was King of Spain (1556–1598), King of Portugal (1580–1598, as Philip I), King of Naples and Sicily (both from 1554), and Duke of Milan (from 1540). He was also jure uxoris King of England and Ireland during his marriage to Mary I of England. He was a member of the House of Habsburg.

Early Life

Philip was born at the Palace of Pimentel in Valladolid, the son of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and Isabella of Portugal. He was educated in the traditions of the Habsburg dynasty and was prepared for his future role as a ruler from a young age.

Reign

Philip's reign was marked by the height of the Spanish Empire, which included territories in every continent then known to Europeans. His rule saw the Spanish Armada's failed attempt to invade England in 1588, the annexation of Portugal in 1580, and the continuation of the Italian Wars.

Domestic Policies

Philip II centralized the administration of the Spanish Empire and was a staunch supporter of the Counter-Reformation. He established the Escorial as a symbol of his power and the Catholic faith.

Foreign Policies

Philip's foreign policy was dominated by his efforts to maintain Habsburg hegemony in Europe. He fought against the Ottoman Empire in the Mediterranean, supported the Catholic League in France, and engaged in the Eighty Years' War against the Dutch Republic.

Marriages and Issue

Philip II was married four times:

• Maria Manuela of Portugal (1543–1545)
• Mary I of England (1554–1558)
• Elisabeth of Valois (1559–1568)
• Anna of Austria (1570–1580)

He had several children, including:

• Isabella Clara Eugenia
• Catherine Michelle of Spain
• Philip III of Spain

Death and Legacy

Philip II died on 13 September 1598 at the El Escorial and was succeeded by his son, Philip III of Spain. His reign left a lasting impact on Spain and the wider world, with significant cultural, political, and religious influences.

Related Pages

• Spanish Empire
• Spanish Armada
• House of Habsburg
• Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor
• Mary I of England
• El Escorial
• Eighty Years' War
• Counter-Reformation