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Philip II is born in Valladolid, Spain, to the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal
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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.
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Philip married his cousin Maria of Portugal
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Philip's first son Don Carlos is born, but Maria dies giving birth to him
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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
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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.
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Philip's second wife, Queen Mary, dies of either ovarian cysts or uterine cancer. Philip is no longer affiliated with the monarchy in England.
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Philip remarries. Again. This time to a woman named Elizabeth.
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Elizabeth, Philip's third wife, dies a year after having given birth to her and Philip's second daughter.
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The people of the Netherlands begin to fight for independence from Spain. This war would end fifty years after Philip II's death.
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Philip re-re-re-married a woman named Anna of Austria. This would be his final marriage.
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The Spanish defeat the Ottomans in a Mediterranean fight.
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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.
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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.
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Phillip's last wife dies in 1580
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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.
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Philip II dies of cancer at Escorial, Spain.
