Albert II of Germany
A Habsburg duke whose brief reign as King of the Romans laid the crucial groundwork for his family's centuries-long domination of Central Europe.
1397–1439 (age 42)·King of Hungary 1437–1439, King of the Romans 1438-1439, King of Bohemia 1438-1439·Birthday: August 10
Biography
Albert II's story is one of dynastic consolidation, a swift and pivotal chapter in the rise of the House of Habsburg. Inheriting the Duchy of Austria, his power expanded dramatically through his marriage to Elizabeth of Luxembourg, which brought him the crowns of Hungary and Bohemia. In 1438, just a year after becoming king in those realms, he was elected King of the Romans, the title designating the Holy Roman Emperor-elect. His two-year reign was consumed by the relentless defense of his wife's inheritance against Ottoman incursions and Bohemian dissent. Though he died suddenly of dysentery on campaign, his work was foundational: he was the first Habsburg to hold the imperial title, setting a precedent that would see the crown become virtually hereditary in his family for generations.
#1 When Albert Was Born
The biggest hits of 1397
Albert's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1397Born
1402Started school
1410Became a teenager
1413Could drive
1415Could vote
1418Turned 21
1427Turned 30
1437Turned 40
1439Died at 42
Key Achievements
- Elected King of the Romans in 1438, becoming the first Habsburg to hold the title that led to the Holy Roman Imperial throne.
- Through marriage and election, united the rule of Austria, Hungary, and Bohemia under a single Habsburg ruler for the first time.
- Successfully defended the Kingdom of Hungary against significant Ottoman Turkish expansion following the death of King Sigismund.
- His election began the near-unbroken Habsburg hold on the Holy Roman Empire that lasted until its dissolution in 1806.
Did You Know?
He was known posthumously as 'Albert the Magnanimous' for his chivalric character.
His death from dysentery occurred during a military campaign against the Ottoman Empire in what is now Hungary.
He was the son-in-law of the Holy Roman Emperor Sigismund, whose inheritance he secured.
Despite his short reign, he is counted in the succession of German kings as Albert II.
“A crown is held not by right alone, but by the strength to keep it.”
