Charles II (1661 – 1700), was the last Habsburg King of Spain and the ruler of nearly all of Italy (except Piedmont, the Papal States and the Republic of Venice), the Spanish territories in the Southern Low Countries, and Spain’s overseas Empire, stretching from Mexico to the Philippines.
Carlos II of Spain by Juan Carreño de Miranda
There is an interesting article – The Role of Inbreeding in the Extinction of a European Royal Dynasty (via Gene Expression). The article publishes this family tree of the last king [click to enlarge]:
“… Charles II, the last king of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty, presented important physical and mental disabilities suffering from a number of different diseases during his life, hence being known in Spanish history as El Hechizado (“The Hexed”). According to contemporary writings, he was often described as “big headed” and “weak breast-fed baby”. He was unable to speak until the age of 4, and could not walk until the age of 8. He was short, weak and quite lean and thin. He was described as a person showing very little interest on his surroundings (abulic personality). He first marries at 18 and later at 29, leaving no descendency. … He suffers from sporadic hematuria and intestinal problems (frequent diarrhea and vomits). He looked like an old person when he was only 30 years old, suffering from edemas on his feet, legs, abdomen and face. During the last years of his life he barely can stand up, and suffers from hallucinations and convulsive episodes. His health worsens until his premature death when he was 39, after an episode of fever, abdominal pain, hard breathing and comma.”
Further Reading:
Inbreeding is out, Assimilation is in, in the American Melting Pot
The Difference between a Jester and a Prophet
Charisma is the Result of a Social Ritual
