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Article: Rudolf II (Holy Roman Empire) (1552–1612; Ruled 1576–1612)
- Article from:
- Europe, 1450 to 1789: Encyclopedia of the Early Modern World
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RUDOLF II (HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE) (1552
–
1612; ruled 1576
–
1612)
RUDOLF II (HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE)
(1552
–
1612; ruled 1576
–
1612), Holy Roman emperor and Habsburg monarch. Rudolf II was a controversial figure during his lifetime and has remained one for historians since. He has many claims to fame and infamy. His political and religious policies led to his ouster as ruler by members of his own family and contributed to the outbreak of the Thirty Years' War (1618
–
1648), one of the most destructive wars in European history. He became a believer in and practitioner of the occult, promoting alchemy, pursuing research into the Cabala, and seeking truth in various ...