Discover Carlos II, The Bewitched: The Last Spanish Habsburg Without Heirs
In the twilight of the 17th century, in a world where the Habsburg dynasty dominated much of Europe, a tragic and enigmatic figure emerged: **Carlos II**, known to all as **The Bewitched**. This last Spanish Habsburg, with a reign marked by decay and conflict, became the epitome of the misfortunes that plagued his family. Carlos II was not only a king but also a symbol of a crumbling empire, a man burdened by the weight of a cursed lineage, unable to leave heirs to continue his legacy.
A Rise Burdened with Curses: The Story of a Dynasty
The story of **Carlos II** begins in 1661, when he was born in the Royal Palace of Madrid, the son of Philip IV and Mariana of Austria. From the moment he entered the world, the young prince was already the target of rumors and superstitions. The House of Habsburg, famous for its policy of cousin marriages to maintain power, had created a series of genetic problems that manifested in its descendants.
Chroniclers of the time, such as the famous writer and diplomat **Alonso de Salas Barbadillo**, claimed that the numerous consanguineous marriages within the royal family had led to "physical and mental decay." The consequences were devastating: Carlos II was born with serious physical deformities and health issues that would accompany him throughout his life, including a disproportionately sized jaw and fragile health, which led to him being nicknamed **The Bewitched**.
A Reign in Darkness: Intrigues and Power at Court
The reign of **Carlos II** (1665-1700) was marked by palace intrigues and power struggles. As Carlos II grew up, his inability to govern became increasingly evident. In his teenage years, the court became a battlefield for noble factions...