What Nobody Told You About the Habsburg Jaw: The Genetic Defect That Marked the End of a Dynasty with Charles II

The history of the House of Habsburg is intertwined with the fate of Europe, marked by a grandeur that eventually turned into decline. Among its most infamous members is **Charles II**, known not only for his position as King of Spain but also for a physical trait that symbolizes the tragic history of inbreeding and genetic defects. The **Habsburg jaw**, as it is known, became a symbol of the ruin of a dynasty that had dominated the European continent for centuries. This article reveals the dark secrets surrounding Charles II and the genetic legacy that led him to be considered a cursed king.

The Grandeur of the House of Habsburg and Its Tragic Genetic Legacy

The House of Habsburg, one of the most powerful dynasties in Europe, began its rise in the 13th century and reached its peak during the reigns of Charles I and Philip II. During these years, the Habsburgs consolidated their power and control over vast territories, from Spain to the Netherlands, and from Austria to America. However, this grandeur came at a high price. To maintain their power and wealth, the Habsburgs resorted to **inbreeding**, marrying close relatives repeatedly. This phenomenon, although common among the nobility of the time, had devastating consequences.

The result of these consanguineous unions was the emergence of multiple genetic defects, among them the famous **Habsburg jaw**, or mandibular prognathism, characterized by abnormal growth of the lower jaw. This trait became especially evident in **Charles II of Spain**, who was born in 1661 and became king at the age of four following the death of his father, Philip IV. His reign was marked by illnesses and physical weaknesses that led him to be considered a re