Story
The Habsburgs: they are among the most powerful dynasties of all time. As German kings, as emperors of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation and finally as emperors of Austria and kings of Hungary, they shaped the course of European history for centuries. As kings of Spain, they ruled over a world empire in which the sun never set. A sphere of influence that included parts of North Africa and reached as far as California. It was a mixture of skillful diplomacy and unscrupulous power politics that turned an insignificant ducal family from what is now Alsace into a world-class dynasty. The Habsburgs waged wars and formed marriage alliances with other great European noble families. And sometimes they were simply lucky enough to outlive their rivals.
From the 13th century onwards, the Habsburgs continuously expanded their rule from areas in the west of the Holy Roman Empire to the east, into the region that is now Austria, Bohemia and Hungary. Later, territories such as the Netherlands, Burgundy, Castile and Aragon were added. Some lands were lost again in the course of history, while the dynasty ruled over others for many centuries.
After the First World War, the Habsburg empire disappeared forever. But to this day, many countries, cities and regions are still shaped by their influence, castles and palaces, monasteries and art collections are reminders of this once powerful dynasty.
This fascinating journey through the centuries and the Habsburg dynasty is captured in a five-part documentary series. From its humble beginnings to its rule over the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation, Spain and other territories, the documentary highlights the key moments, ruthless power politics and cultural legacy of the Habsburgs. We immerse ourselves in the world of castles, palaces and art treasures that this dynasty left behind over a millennium. The TV series brings history to life in its most fascinating form and traces the lasting presence of the Habsburgs in more than a dozen European countries.