To differentiate means to divide into categories. People were assessed according to many different critieria: by sex, class, religion, property or ethnicity. The levels of significance attributed to the various categories changed over time: sometimes they were more, sometimes less relevant, but they always had an effect on many aspects of a person’s life. Whole territories were also categorized and shared out.
The Habsburg dynasty: Here you can read potted biographies, examine portraits from seven centuries and dip into the historical contexts of past epochs.
Select a period in Habsburg history, from the beginnings of Habsburg rule in the Middle Ages to the collapse of the Monarchy during the First World War.
The map shows the territorial development of the Habsburg Monarchy as it evolved into a sprawling, geographically fragmented empire.
Monarchical rule was legitimized by descent. The classic form of representing these relationships is the genealogical table or family tree.
Collected themes - browse stories and anecdotes from the history of the Habsburg Monarchy.
Most viewed stories
Choose from various themes to access and explore the history of the Habsburg Monarchy, for example 'work', 'love' or 'death'.
Journey through the different epochs of Habsburg history from the Middle Ages to the First World War.
All the members of the Habsburg dynasty. Read biographical notes and explore the historical context.
