(1500-1558) King of Spain and the Netherlands (as Charles II), Holy Roman Emperor. Grandson of [[Dan's History Web/US 1/Topic Index/Ferdinand and Isabella]] and father of King [[Dan's History Web/US 1/Topic Index/Philip II]]. Member of the Hapsburg dynasty through his father, Philip the Handsome. As Holy Roman Emperor, Charles was involved in the early disputes between the Vatican and [Martin Luther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther) that led to the Protestant Reformation. After the death of his wife, also named Isabella, Charles was said to be inconsolable; although he had several mistresses and half a dozen illegitimate children who became European aristocrats. He began dressing in black and gradually abdicated his responsibilities. His brother Ferdinand took over the Holy Roman Empire and his son [[Dan's History Web/US 1/Topic Index/Philip II]] got Spain.