Philip II of Spain

Charles V's words of advice

1537

Philip’s father, Charles V, the Holy Roman Emperor, wrote to Philip warning him not to trust any of his advisers too much. Philip took this advice to heart at a young age.

Don Carlos Is Born

1545

Maria of Portugal, wife of Philip II of Spain, dies in childbirth, when the King's son Don Carlos was born.

Second Marriage

1554

Philip II married Queen Mary I. This was his second marriage.

Fist Bankruptcy

1557

Philip II of Spain, went bankrupt for the first time.

The Escorial

1559

The Escorial, an enormous palace built on a grid plan for Philip II, was begun in Madrid.

Second Bankruptcy

1560

Philip II went bankrupt for the second time

Madrid

1561

Philip II moved his court to Madrid, which was but a village until this time, and proclaimed Madrid as capital of Spain.

Second Protest

1563

League of High Nobles' second protest against King Philip II.

Third Bankruptcy

1576

Philip II of Spain went bankrupt for the third time.

Fourth Bankruptcy

1596

Philip II of Spain went bankrupt for the fourth time.