Franz II (I)
As Franz II, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (1792–1806); as Franz I, Emperor of Austria (1804–1835)
Born 12 February 1768 in Florence
Died 2 March 1835 in Vienna
Motto: ‘Iustitia Regnorum Fundamentum – Justice is the foundation of governance’
Franz II was the last emperor of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation. After Napoleon proclaimed the French Empire, Franz established the hereditary Empire of Austria in 1804 and as Franz I was the first Emperor of Austria (r. 1804–1835). On 6 August 1806 Franz abdicated as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, which was then dissolved after 844 years of existence.
