Major European Dynasties Cheat Sheet (DRAFT) by RainyMoons

Henry II (r. 1154–1189): Founder of the dynasty, establ­ished English common law

Edward I (r. 1272–1307): Conqueror of Wales, known for legal reforms

Henry VI (r. 1422–1461, 1470–1471): His weak rule led to the Wars of the Roses

Maximilian I (r. 1493–1519): Expanded the Habsburg influence through strategic marriages

Philip II (r. 1556–1598): King of Spain, led the Spanish Armada against England

The Habsburgs were one of Europe's most powerful families, ruling over vast territ­ories in Central Europe and Spain. Their strategic marriages and political alliances shaped the course of European history for centuries

Henry VII (r. 1485–1509): Founder of the Tudor dynasty, ended the Wars of the Roses

Elizabeth I (r. 1558–1603): The "­Virgin Queen,­" presided over the Elizab­ethan Golden Age

Henry IV (r. 1589–1610): First Bourbon king of France, issued the Edict of Nantes

Philip V (r. 1700–1746): First Bourbon king of Spain

The Bourbons were a dominant force in European politics, partic­ularly in France and Spain. Their reigns were marked by absolute monarchy, signif­icant cultural achiev­ements, and in France, the eventual fall of the monarchy during the French Revolution

Peter the Great (r. 1682–1725): Wester­nized Russia, expanded its territory

Nicholas II (r. 1894–1917): Last Romanov tsar, overthrown during the Russian Revolution

William the Silent (r. 1544–1584): Leader of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule

The House of Orange­-Nassau played a crucial role in the establ­ishment of the Dutch Republic and the fight for Dutch indepe­ndence. The family continues to rule in the Nether­lands today.

Frederick the Great (r. 1740–1786): Expanded Prussian power, reformed the military.

Wilhelm II (r. 1888–1918): Last German Emperor, his policies led to World War I

Victor Emmanuel II (r. 1861–1878): First King of a united Italy

The House of Savoy played a central role in the unific­ation of Italy in the 19th century. They ruled Italy until the monarchy was abolished in 1946 following World War II

Maximilian I (r. 1597–1651): Leader of the Catholic League during the Thirty Years' War.

The Wittel­sbachs were influe­ntial in both the Holy Roman Empire and later in Bavaria. They were strong supporters of Cathol­icism during the Reform­ation and Counte­r-R­efo­rmation

Hugh Capet (r. 987–996): Founder of the dynasty

Louis IX (r. 1226–1270): Saint Louis, led two Crusades

Louis XIV (r. 1643–1715): "The Sun King," epitome of absolute monarchy

Rodrigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI) (r. 1492-1503): Known for his contro­versial papacy & political machin­ations

The Borgias were known for their political influence & contro­versies in Renais­sance Italy. Their attempts to consol­idate power in the Papal States & their familial ambitions were signif­icant in the politics of the era

Count John VIII of Nassau­-Siegen (r. 1596-1623): Prominent military leader & diplomat in the Thirty Years' War

The Nassau­-Siegen family played a notable role in the military & political affairs of the Holy Roman Empire, partic­ularly during the Thirty Years' War

Władysław II Jagiełło (r. 1386–1434): Founded the Jagiel­lonian dynasty, which unified Poland and Lithuania

Giovanni Carafa (r. 1487–1500): A prominent noble who served in various admini­str­ative and military roles in Naples

The Carafa family was influe­ntial in Naples, with signif­icant roles in regional governance and military affairs during the Renais­sance and early modern period

Stephen Báthory (r. 1571–1586): King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania, known for his military campaigns and internal reforms

The Báthory family was influe­ntial in Transy­lvanian and Polish politics. Stephen Báthory’s reign was marked by military and political achiev­ements, while Elizabeth Báthory’s infamy contri­buted to her historical legacy.

Henry the Lion (r. 1142–1195): Duke of Bavaria and Saxony, influe­ntial in the politics of the Holy Roman Empire

The Guelphs were prominent in both German and British history, with signif­icant roles in the Holy Roman Empire and British monarchy

Hugh Capet (r. 987–996): Founder of the Capetian dynasty, establ­ishing a long-l­asting royal house

The Capetian dynasty was crucial in establ­ishing and consol­idating the French monarchy, shaping the governance and territ­orial expansion of medieval France

Prince Louis of Battenberg (1854–­1921): Prominent naval officer and father of Earl Mountb­atten of Burma

The Battenberg family, later known as Mountb­atten, played a notable role in British and European politics, partic­ularly through its connec­tions with the British royal family

Ludovico III Gonzaga (r. 1444–1478): Marquess of Mantua, known for his patronage of the arts and involv­ement in Italian politics

The Gonzaga family played a crucial role in the politics of Renais­sance Italy, known for their patronage of the arts and involv­ement in military conflicts

Gian Galeazzo Visconti (r. 1378–1402): First Duke of Milan, known for his expansion of Milanese territ­ories and attempts to create a unified northern Italian state

Alessandro Farnese (r. 1586–1592): Duke of Parma and Piacenza, known for his military leadership during the Eighty Years' War and his efforts in the Counte­r-R­efo­rmation

James I (r. 1603–1625): First Stuart king of England, oversaw the union of the English and Scottish crowns

Mary, Queen of Scots (r. 1542–1567): Her turbulent reign and execution had lasting impacts on Englis­h-S­cottish relations

David IV the Builder (r. 1089–1125): Known for his military victories and cultural achiev­ements, signif­icantly expanded the Kingdom of Georgia

The Bagrationi dynasty was one of the longes­t-r­eigning dynasties in the world, ruling over Georgia for centuries. They presided over a period of cultural and political prospe­rity, partic­ularly under David IV and Tamar

Ferdinand II of Aragon (r. 1479–1516): His marriage to Isabella I of Castile unified Spain and laid the foundation for the Spanish Empire

The House of Aragon was pivotal in the formation of a unified Spain through the marriage of Ferdinand and Isabella, known as the Catholic Monarchs. They also played a crucial role in Medite­rranean politics, partic­ularly in Sicily and Naples

Philip, Duke of Parma (r. 1748–1765): Establ­ished the Bourbo­n-Parma line, which ruled over Parma, Piacenza, and later other territ­ories

The Bourbo­n-Parma line is a cadet branch of the Spanish Bourbons. It played a signif­icant role in the politics of the Italian Peninsula, partic­ularly in the Duchy of Parma. The family continues to claim various titles, although their political power has signif­icantly diminished

Philip VI (r. 1328-1350): First Valois king, his claim to the throne sparked the Hundred Years' War

Henry II (r. 1547–1559): His reign was marked by the beginning of the French Wars of Religion

Frederick I Barbarossa (r. 1155–1190): Holy Roman Emperor, sought to restore imperial authority in Italy and led the Third Crusade

The Hohens­taufens were central to the medieval conflict between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire, known as the Invest­iture Contro­versy. Their rule marked a high point in the empire's influence over Italy, though it eventually led to prolonged conflicts that weakened the imperial power.

Władysław II Jagiełło (r. 1386–1434): Founder of the Jagiel­lonian dynasty, united Poland and Lithuania

The Jagiellons were instru­mental in the formation and stability of the Polish­-Li­thu­anian Common­wealth, which became one of the largest and most powerful states in Europe during the Renais­sance

Charles I of Anjou (r. 1266–1285): King of Naples, establ­ished the Anjou rule in southern Italy

The Angevins were a powerful force in Southern Italy, Hungary, and Poland during the late medieval period, playing a signif­icant role in European politics and warfare

Charles IV (r. 1346–1378): Holy Roman Emperor, oversaw the Golden Age of Bohemia

The House of Luxembourg was influe­ntial in the Holy Roman Empire and Central Europe during the late medieval period. Their rule was marked by cultural and archit­ectural achiev­ements, partic­ularly in Bohemia

Gustav I (r. 1523–1560): Founder of the Vasa dynasty, liberated Sweden from Danish rule

The Vasa dynasty was central to the establ­ishment of the Swedish Empire and its role in European conflicts, such as the Thirty Years' War

Count Ulrich IV (r. 1191-1230): Expanded the family's influence in Swabia

The Hohenbergs were a prominent Swabian family, influe­ntial in the region's politics & territ­orial disputes during the late medieval period. Their influence declined after the 14th century

Queen Victoria (r. 1837-1901): Originally from the House of Saxe-C­oburg & Gotha, her reign saw the expansion of the British Empire

The House of Saxe-C­oburg & Gotha was a key player in European politics, influe­ncing both British & Belgian history. The British branch was renamed the House of Windsor in 1917 due to anti-G­erman sentiment during WWI

Duke Wilhelm IV (r. 1572–1592): Establ­ished the Saxe-W­eimar line within the larger Wettin dynasty

The Saxe-W­eimar branch was signif­icant in the German princi­pal­ities, known for its contri­butions to education, arts, and military. The dynasty’s influence continued until the end of World War I

Stanisław August Poniat­owski (r. 1764–1795): Last King of Poland, known for his efforts to reform the Polish­-Li­thu­anian Common­wealth and his role in the country's eventual partition

Henry the Lion (r. 1142–1195): Duke of Bavaria and Saxony, influe­ntial in the Holy Roman Empire’s politics and military

Karl I of Romania (r. 1914–1927): Known for his efforts to maintain Romanian neutrality during World War I and his attempts at domestic reform

Harald Fairhair (r. 872–930): Tradit­ionally regarded as the first King of Norway, credited with unifying the country

The Yngling dynasty is legendary in Scandi­navian history, credited with the early formation and unific­ation of Norway and Sweden, influe­ncing the region's medieval develo­pment

Miklós Pálffy (c. 1560–1604): Notable for his role in the military and political spheres of Hungary

The Pálffy family was influe­ntial in Hungarian politics and military affairs, contri­buting to the governance and military organi­zation of the Kingdom of Hungary

Peter III of Russia (r. 1762): Born into the Holste­in-­Gottorp family, became Emperor of Russia through his marriage to Catherine the Great

The Holste­in-­Gottorp dynasty connected German nobility with the thrones of Russia and Sweden, playing signif­icant roles in the politics and cultural develo­pments of both countries.

Louis Philippe I (r. 1830–1848): King of the French during the July Monarchy, known for his moderate policies and eventual overthrow during the 1848 Revolu­tion.

Napoleon Bonaparte (r. 1804–1814, 1815): Emperor of the French, known for his military conquests across Europe and his legal and admini­str­ative reforms, including the Napoleonic Code

The Bonaparte family was instru­mental in shaping European history in the 19th century, with their influence extending across France, Italy, and beyond, partic­ularly through Napoleon's conquests and reforms

Mieszko I (r. 960-992): First ruler of Poland, converted to Christ­ianity, laying the foundation for the Polish state

The Piast dynasty was the first ruling family of Poland, establ­ishing the nation's Christian identity & laying the founda­tions for the future Polish state. Their rule saw Poland become a signif­icant power in Central Europe

Christian I (r. 1448-1481): First Oldenburg king of Denmark, Norway & later Sweden

George I of Greece (r. 1862-1913): Establ­ished the Oldenburg dynasty in Greece

Frederick Augustus I of Saxony (r. 1806-1827): First king of Saxony, also ruled as king of Poland

The Wttin family ruled Saxony for centuries & were influe­ntial in Central European politics. Their reigns were marked by cultural patronage & political stability, partic­ularly in the Electorate & later Kingdom of Saxony

Charles Albert of Sardinia (r. 1831-1849): Promoted the cause of Italian unific­ation

The Savoy-­Car­ignano branch was crucial in the unific­ation of Italy in the 19th century. They played a central role in the Risorg­imento, leading to the establ­ishment of the Kingdom of Italy

John IV of Portugal (r. 1640-1656): Restored Portugues indepe­ndence from Spain, founding the Braganza dynasty

Maria II of Portugal (r. 1834-1853): Known for her progre­ssive reign & stabil­isation of Portugal after civil wars

Philip I (r. 1509-1567): Known as Philip the Magnan­imous, he played a key role in the Protestant Reform­ation

The House of Hesse was influe­ntial in German & European politics, partic­ularly during the Reform­ation. The family also interm­arried with other European royal families, linking them to the British, Russian & other royal lines

Francis I (r. 1745-1765): Holy Roman Emperor, husband of Maria Theresa, co-founded the Habsbu­rg-­Lor­raine line

The House of Lorraine became a major force in European politics through its union with the Habsburgs. The Habsbu­rg-­Lor­raine dynasty played a central role in the Holy Roman Empire & later in the Austrian Empire, influe­ncing European history for centuries

Cosimo de'Medici (r. 1434-1464): Founder of the Medici political dynasty, a patron of the arts & humanism

Cosimo de'Medici (r. 1569-1574): First Grand Duke of Tuscany, expanded Medici power

John I of Portugal (r. 1385-1433): Founder of the Aviz dynasty, secured Portuguese indepe­ndence & expanded overseas explor­ation

The Aviz dynasty was instru­mental in establ­ishing Portugal as a leading maritie & colonial power during the Age of Discovery. Their reign marked the expansion of European influence across the globe

John Beaufort, 1st Earl of Somerset (d. 1410): Founder of the House of Beaufort, a cadet branch of the House of Lancaster

The Beauforts were a signif­icant family in the Wars of the Roses, contri­buting to the establ­ishment of the Tudor Dynasty. Their political influence extended into the early Tudor period

William of Orange (William I) (r. 1555-1584): Leader of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule, instru­mental in establ­ishing Dutch indepe­ndence

The House of Nassau has played a pivotal role in Dutch history, partic­ularly in the struggle for indepe­ndence from Spanish rule. The family continues to hold signif­icant positions in the Nether­lands & Luxembourg

Charles XIV John (r. 1818-1844): Founder of the Bernadotte dynasty, initially a Marshal of France under Napoleon

The House of Bernadotte was establ­ished in Sweden through a change of dynasty & had since provided stability & contin­uity. They continue to play a role in Swedish monarchy today

Count Camillo di Cavour (1810–­1861): Prime Minister of Sardinia and a key figure in the Italian unific­ation, working closely with Giuseppe Garibaldi and King Victor Emmanuel II

Henry II of Castile (r. 1369–1379): Founder of the Trastámara dynasty in Castile, establ­ished a new ruling family after the overthrow of the previous line.

The Trastámara dynasty was central to the unific­ation of Spain and the establ­ishment of Spanish dominance in the late 15th and early 16th centuries

Stephen I (r. 1000–1038): First King of Hungary, establ­ished the Kingdom of Hungary and its Christian founda­tions

The Arpad dynasty was instru­mental in the early history of Hungary, establ­ishing the kingdom and shaping its medieval develo­pment

Simon de Montfort (r. 1265–1267): Leader of the baronial revolt against King Henry III of England, known for his role in the establ­ishment of the English Parliament

The Montfort family had a signif­icant impact on English politics during the 13th century, partic­ularly in the context of the struggle for baronial rights and the develo­pment of parlia­mentary governance

Charles, Duke of Alençon (d. 1475): Notable for his role in the Hundred Years' War

The House of Alençon played a role in French politics and military affairs during the late medieval period

Robert the Bruce (r. 1306–1329): King of Scots, renowned for leading Scotland during the First War of Scottish Indepe­ndence against England, culmin­ating in the Battle of Bannoc­kburn

Francesco Sforza (r. 1450–1466): Condot­tiero who became Duke of Milan, known for his military prowess and patronage of the arts

he Sforza family was central to Renais­sance Italy, known for their patronage of the arts and their military and political influence in Northern Italy.

Raymond Roger Trencavel (r. 1194–1209): Viscount of Béziers and Carcas­sonne, notable for his resistance against the Albige­nsian Crusade

Ercole I d’Este (r. 1471–1505): Duke of Ferrara, known for his patronage of the arts and his efforts to strengthen his duchy through strategic marriages.