Philip II of Spain

By Grayson E
  • May 21, 1527

    Birth

    Birth
    Philip II is born in Valladolid, Spain, to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal
  • Period: May 21, 1527 to

    The life and actions of King Philip II of Spain and Portugal

  • 1543

    First taste of ruling

    From this year onward, Philip's father, Charles V, would transfer rule of Spain to his son whenever he was abroad, and when he returned he would resume his duties. This is the first time Philip rules a country.
  • 1543

    1st Marriage - Maria of Portugal

    1st Marriage - Maria of Portugal
    Philip married his cousin Maria of Portugal
  • 1545

    Philip's first child is born and Maria dies

    Philip's first son Don Carlos is born, but Maria dies giving birth to him
  • 1554

    2nd Marriage - Mary I of England

    2nd Marriage - Mary I of England
    After the death of his first wife, Philip remarries, entering into union with Mary I, Queen of England. He becomes join-sovereign of Britain with her
  • 1557

    Victory over France fuels distaste for war

    After the Spanish victory at Saint-Quentin over the french in 1557, Philip grew to distaste war, but he didn't shy from it when he thought it necessary.
  • 1558

    Queen Mary I dies

    Philip's second wife, Queen Mary, dies of either ovarian cysts or uterine cancer. Philip is no longer affiliated with the monarchy in England.
  • 1559

    3rd Marriage - Elizabeth of Valois

    3rd Marriage - Elizabeth of Valois
    Philip remarries. Again. This time to a woman named Elizabeth.
  • 1568

    Elizabeth of Valois dies

    Elizabeth, Philip's third wife, dies a year after having given birth to her and Philip's second daughter.
  • 1568

    80 Years War begins

    The people of the Netherlands begin to fight for independence from Spain. This war would end fifty years after Philip II's death.
  • 1570

    4th Marriage - Anna of Austria

    4th Marriage - Anna of Austria
    Philip re-re-re-married a woman named Anna of Austria. This would be his final marriage.
  • 1571

    Victory at Battle of Lepanto

    Victory at Battle of Lepanto
    The Spanish defeat the Ottomans in a Mediterranean fight.
  • Apr 14, 1578

    Philip III is born

    Anna of Austria gave birth to her and Philip II's son, Philip III, who would go on to take rule of Spain after his father's death.
  • Period: Aug 4, 1578 to 1580

    Death of Sebastian of Portugal, Philip's fight for Rule

    After the death of Portugal's leader, Sebastian, Philip claimed rule over Portugal. Portugal, however, said that he couldn't be their ruler. Philip subsequently had to fight for what he viewed as his right to rule Portugal.
  • 1580

    Anna of Austria dies

    Phillip's last wife dies in 1580

  • Spanish Armada to combat England

    Spanish Armada to combat England
    As the English and the French increasingly showed their support for the Netherlands in their fight for independence from Spain, Philip realized that they needed to be dealt with. To that end, he set up an Armada that, along with the Spanish army already in the Netherlands, would conquer England. This plan did not succeed.

  • Death

    Death
    Philip II dies of cancer at Escorial, Spain.