10 Wild Facts About Charles II of Spain That Will Make You Question Royal Family Drama!
2025-03-11
- Charles II was known as "The Bewitched" due to his severe physical and mental disabilities - Charles II of Spain earned the nickname "El Hechizado" or "The Bewitched" because many believed his extensive health issues were the result of witchcraft. His condition was more likely due to generations of inbreeding within the Habsburg family, which left him with numerous genetic disorders.
- He couldn't walk until he was eight years old - Charles II's physical development was severely delayed. He couldn't talk until he was four, and it took him until the age of eight to learn how to walk, a result of his developmental challenges.
- His jaw was so deformed that he could barely chew his food - Charles II's infamous Habsburg jaw was so pronounced that eating was a significant challenge. His lower jaw extended so far that it prevented his teeth from meeting properly, making it difficult to chew.
- He was king from the age of four - Charles was thrust into the role of king at the tender age of four following his father's death. His mother, Mariana of Austria, served as regent due to his young age and inability to rule independently.
- He was the last of the Spanish Habsburgs - Charles II was the final ruler of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty, marking the end of an era. His death without an heir led to the War of the Spanish Succession, profoundly impacting European politics.
- He was believed to be infertile - Despite being married twice, Charles II never fathered any children, fueling rumors of infertility. His inability to produce an heir was a significant concern for the continuation of the Habsburg line.
- His autopsy revealed a disturbing condition - After his death, an autopsy revealed that Charles's body was in a shocking state. His heart was reportedly the size of a peppercorn, his lungs corroded, and his intestines gangrenous, highlighting the severity of his lifelong health struggles.
- He was subject to numerous exorcisms - In an attempt to cure his many ailments, Charles II underwent various exorcisms, as it was believed he was cursed or possessed. These superstitious practices were common at the time, reflecting the desperation to improve his condition.
- His reign was marked by economic decline and military defeats - Charles II's rule saw Spain's power diminish significantly. The country faced economic hardships and suffered military losses, further weakening the Spanish empire under his reign.
- He left a controversial will that sparked a major European conflict - Charles II's will named Philip of Anjou, a French prince, as his successor. This decision led to the War of the Spanish Succession, as European powers contested the union of France and Spain under one monarch, altering the continent's political landscape.
Category: The best category that describes 'Charles II of Spain' is History. | Topic: Charles II of Spain | @Wikipedia
