Charles VI

Profession: Holy Roman Emperor

Nationality:

Biography: As the second son of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I, Charles VI didn't inherit his father's title until the death of his brother Joseph I death in 1711.

Prior to inheriting the throne of Austria Charles had tried unsuccessfully to claim the throne of Spain as Charles III after the death of Charles II in 1700, claiming descent through his mother. Philip of Anjou (later Philip V) the grandson of Louis XIV, was named heir and contested Charles' claim. The Spain war of Succession lasted until 1711, although Charles never gained the upper hand.

As Holy Roman Emperor Charles succeeded in expanding the empires territories against the Ottoman Empire but lost the later war of Polish Succession.

Throughout his reign Charles was concerned with the Habsburg succession, especially after the death of his infant son left him with just two daughters, which under Salic law could not succeed him. In 1713 he brought in the Pragmatic Sanction, allowing women to inherit the Habsburg throne, making his daughter Maria Theresa his heir, but excluding his brother's own daughters.

Born: October 1, 1685
Birthplace: Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria
Star Sign: Libra

Died: October 20, 1740 (aged 55)
Cause of Death: Fell ill after a hunting trip across the Hungarian border in wet and cold weather though notably Voltaire wrote Charles VI died from a meal of death cap mushrooms.