Biography:Maximilian II was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1564 until his death in 1576. He was the son of Emperor Charles V and Isabella of Portugal.
Maximilian's reign was marked by religious strife between Catholics and Protestants, as well as conflicts with the Ottoman Empire. In addition, Maximilian continued his father's work of expanding the Habsburg empire, which reached its greatest extent during his reign.
Maximilian was also a patron of the arts, and oversaw the construction of numerous palaces and castles, as well as the founding of the city of Munich.
Born:July 31, 1527 Birthplace:Vienna, Archduchy of Austria, Holy Roman Empire Star Sign:Leo
1564-07-25 Maximilian II succeeds his father Ferdinand I as Holy Roman Emperor
1568-02-17 Treaty of Adrianople of 1568: Representatives of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II and Ottoman Sultan Selim II agree to a peace plan ending the war between the Habsburg monarchy and the Ottoman Empire; Maximilian agrees to provide a cash "present" and ruling authority is granted to the Ottomans in Transylvania, Moldavia, and Wallachia
1568-02-21 Treaty of Adrianople: Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II and Ottoman Sultan Selim II sign peace agreement between the Habsburg monarchy and the Ottoman Empire; the Ottomans receive cash and territories of Transylvania, Moldavia, and Wallachia
1570-08-16 Treaty of Speyer establishing Principality of Transylvania signed by King of Hungary John Sigismund Zápolyai and Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II
1571-01-11 Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II grants Austrian nobility freedom of religion
1576-10-12 Rudolf II succeeds Maximilian II as Holy Roman Emperor
Charlemagne
Charles V
Emperor Maximilian I
Frederick Barbarossa
Henry IV
Leopold II