Philip II of Spain

From New World Encyclopedia
Philip II
King of Spain and Portugal, King of Napels, Ruler of the Spanish Netherlands, Duke of Milan
PhilipII.jpg
Reign January 16, 1556–September 13, 1598
Born May 21 1527(1527-05-21)
Valladolid, Spain
Died September 13 1598 (aged 71)
Madrid, Spain
Predecessor Charles I of Spain (Spain)
Cardinal Henry of Portugal (Portugal)
Anthony, Prior of Crato (Portugal, disputed)
Successor Philip III of Spain
Consort Maria of Portugal
Mary I of England
Elisabeth of Valois
Anna of Austria
Issue Don Carlos, Prince of Asturias
Isabella Clara Eugenia
Catalina Micaela
Philip III of Spain
Royal House House of Habsburg
Father Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor
Mother Isabella of Portugal

Philip II (Spanish: Felipe II de España; Portuguese: Filipe I) (May 21, 1527 – September 13 1598) was King of Spain from 1556 until 1598, King of Naples from 1554 until 1598, king consort of England (as husband of Mary I) from 1554 to 1558, Lord of the Seventeen Provinces (holding various titles for the individual territories, such as Duke or Count) from 1556 until 1581, King of Portugal and the Algarves (as Philip I) from 1580 until 1598 and King of Chile from 1554 until 1556. Philip II is considered one of the greatest sovereigns in the History of Spain. During his time the Spanish Empire led global exploration and colonial expansion across the Atlantic and the Pacific, and became for a time the foremost global power.


Early life and background