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Maria of Austria, Holy Roman Empress

Madrid, 1 Jul 1528 – Convent of Las Descalzas Reales, 26 Feb 1603

9 facts3 sources

Facts and their sources

  • Born1 Jul 1528, Madridnot verified1 source
  • Titlearchduke of Austrianot verified1 source
  • Died26 Feb 1603, Convent of Las Descalzas Realesnot verified1 source
  • FatherCharles Vnot verified1 source
  • MotherIsabella of Portugalnot verified1 source

A life in time

  1. 1 Jul 1528

    Born in Madrid

  2. 1549–1568

    15 children are born

  3. 26 Feb 1603

    Dies in Convent of Las Descalzas Reales, aged 74

Family

See the tree

Parents

Partner

Children · 15

During her lifetime

She lived through 9 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Madrid.

General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.

The 1520s · Maria is born in Madrid

In the news1521

Defeat at Battle of Esquiroz

On June 30, 1521, a Franco-Navarrese army of 12,000 was defeated at the Battle of Esquiroz near Pamplona, resulting in more than 6,000 deaths and the capture of their general.

At the table

Common drinks in Habsburg Spain

People rarely drank water due to poor quality and health risks, preferring wine that was often diluted or spiced. Another common drink in taverns was aloja, a rudimentary beverage made from carob fruits.

What people wore

Cost of a garment in Cádiz

In 1554, a pair of men's breeches documented in a dowry agreement in Cádiz was valued at 8 reales.

Getting around

Travel was by mule or horse

Ordinary people relied primarily on mules and horses to travel between towns, as wheeled vehicles were generally not used for long-distance passenger travel during this period.

What it cost

Labor Wages in Construction Projects

For construction projects like fortification, labor wages accounted for between 65 and 100 percent of total costs.

Music

Entertainment at new mass celebrations

New mass celebrations often lasted two days, featuring hired minstrels for entertainment; attendees often gave money to the hosts, believing it helped secure indulgences.

Daily life

Wine preferred over unsafe water

Ordinary people in Habsburg Spain frequently preferred wine over water, as the water supply was often unsafe and could cause gastrointestinal illnesses.