Charles III of Spain

Reign: 1759 – 1788
Life: 1716–1788

During his reign, Charles was a proponent of enlightened absolutism and regalism in Europe. At the age of 18, he led Spanish troops in a bold and almost entirely bloodless march down Italy to seize the Kingdom of Naples and Kingdom of Sicily and enforce the Spanish claim to their thrones. In 1738, he married the Princess Maria Amalia of Saxony, daughter of Augustus III of Poland, having 13 children, eight of whom reached adulthood. Charles gained valuable experience in his 25-year rule in Italy, so that he was well prepared as the monarch of the Spanish Empire.

During Charles III of Spain's reign, George III of Great Britain ruled Great Britain, Frederick II of Prussia ruled Prussia, and Catherine II of Russia ruled Russia.

Want to learn more? Further reading

Imperial Spain, 1469–1716 by J. H. Elliott

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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From the library

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