Výběr středoevropských rytířů do Řádu zlatého rouna za regentství španělské královny Marie Anny Habsburské (1665-1675)

Abstract

The death of Spanish King Philip IV in 1665 and the young age of his only legitimate son, Charles II, led to the governorship of Mariana of Austria during the years 1665-1677. This matter significantly influenced the relationships between Vienna and Madrid because Austrian siblings represented the Habsburg family's policy. The relationship between Emperor Leopold I and his older sister Mariana of Austria determined for this period not only foreign policy of their monarchies but the Spanish Habsburgs also lost their upper hand against the younger line of the Habsburg family. For Leopold I, his sister represented the most crucial agent in Madrid besides his ambassador. Mariana of Austria became an important source of benefits for the Central European nobility, which traditionally hoped for financial and other support from the Spanish King. Mariana of Austria even influenced one of the most male dominated spaces in the early modern world, which represented the Order of the Golden Fleece because, as a woman, she could choose the new owners of the Insignia of the Golden Fleece.