Existing comment:
Head of a Lineage
In late medieval Europe, a time-tested way of building power was to support the advancement of one's family. By grooming children appropriately and arranging suitable marriages for them, one could create the conditions for them to acquire wealth and influence; all their relatives would benefit from their rise.
Keenly interested in these possibilities, Maximilian personally saw to the well-being of his heirs. The marriages he arranged resulted in a considerable increase of the House of Habsburg's influence in the political affairs of Europe. His son became king of Castile, his eldest grandson became king of all Spain and the ruler of parts of Italy and Central America, and his youngest grandson became king of Bohemia and Hungary.
Maximilian commissioned lavish armor for his male heirs to promote their standing and uphold their political and dynastic claims. He also presented gifts of armor to the boys who were to marry his daughter and granddaughters, and to their parents. Armor played a fundamental role in the all-important matrimonial arrangements through which the emperor secured peace, alliances, and influence for himself and his heirs. |