House of Bourbon

The House of Bourbon is a European royal house of French origin, a branch of the Capetian dynasty. The Bourbons first rose to prominence in the late 13th century and have since been one of the most influential royal families in Europe. Members of the House of Bourbon have ruled over several countries, including France, Spain, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

Origins

The House of Bourbon originated from the marriage of Robert, Count of Clermont, the sixth son of King Louis IX of France, to Beatrix of Bourbon. Their son, Louis I, became the first Duke of Bourbon in 1327. The Bourbon family name is derived from the Bourbonnais region in central France.

Rise to Power

The Bourbons rose to power in France with the accession of Henry IV of France in 1589, following the extinction of the Valois line. Henry IV, originally King of Navarre, was the first Bourbon king of France. His reign marked the beginning of the Bourbon dynasty's influence in European politics.

Bourbon Monarchs of France

The Bourbon dynasty ruled France from 1589 until the French Revolution in 1792, and then again from 1814 to 1830 during the Bourbon Restoration. Notable Bourbon monarchs of France include:

• Henry IV of France (1589–1610)
• Louis XIII of France (1610–1643)
• Louis XIV of France (1643–1715), known as the Sun King
• Louis XV of France (1715–1774)
• Louis XVI of France (1774–1792), executed during the French Revolution

Bourbon Monarchs of Spain

The Spanish branch of the House of Bourbon began with Philip V of Spain, who became king in 1700 following the War of the Spanish Succession. The Bourbons have ruled Spain almost continuously since then, with brief interruptions.

Other Bourbon Branches

The House of Bourbon has several cadet branches, including:

• The House of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, which ruled the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies until 1861.
• The House of Bourbon-Parma, which ruled the Duchy of Parma.
• The House of Bourbon-Brazil, a branch of the Spanish Bourbons.

Influence and Legacy

The Bourbon dynasty has played a significant role in European history, influencing politics, culture, and religion. The Bourbons were known for their patronage of the arts and their role in the Catholic Church. The legacy of the Bourbons is still evident today in the continued existence of the Spanish monarchy and the cultural heritage of France.

Also see

• Capetian dynasty
• French Revolution
• Bourbon Restoration
• War of the Spanish Succession
• Louis XIV of France