Carlos II the Bewitched: the last Spanish Habsburg who could not have children.

Discover the fascinating story of **Charles II, The Bewitched**, the last Spanish Habsburg who marked the decline of a dynasty that dominated Europe for over two centuries. From his ascension to the throne in 1665 until his death in 1700, his reign was fraught with political impotence and personal tragedies, the most heart-wrenching being his inability to leave heirs. Born under the devastating effects of inbreeding, Charles II became a symbol of the decline of the House of Habsburg, trapped in a world of court intrigues and secret curses. This article reveals the dark secrets surrounding his life and the consequences of his legacy in the history of Spain. What mysteries and tragedies haunted this enigmatic king? Don't miss the chance to learn all the details about **Charles II, The Bewitched**, and his tragic existence!

November 29, 2025

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Carlos II: The Bewitched, the Last Spanish Habsburg Without Heirs

At the twilight of a dynasty that had dominated Europe for over two centuries, Carlos II becomes an emblematic figure of the decline of the House of Habsburg. Known as The Bewitched, his reign from 1665 to 1700 was marked by political impotence, court intrigue, and, above all, by his inability to leave heirs. This article explores the dark secrets and tragic realities surrounding the life of a king whose greatness faded into a sea of misfortune.

Carlos II: A King Born Under a Cursed Shadow

Born in 1661, Carlos II was the son of Philip IV of Spain and Mariana of Austria, a union already burdened by the feared effects of consanguinity. The House of Habsburg, famous for its marriages among relatives, had begun to pay the price for its own genetic strategy. From childhood, Carlos II's health was compromised, with evident deformities and physical and mental development that generated chilling rumors among contemporary chroniclers. His appearance was so deteriorated that it was said he “looked like a monster” and his intellect was so limited that he could not communicate properly until well into his adolescence.

The Grandeur and Ruin of an Empire

Under Carlos II's reign, Spain found itself at a crossroads. The Spanish monarchy had reached its peak in previous centuries, but Carlos II's legacy was one of decline and discontent. As the king sank into increasingly fragile health, the administration of the empire fell into the hands of ambitious aristocrats vying for power. In this context, the conflict between European powers intensified, leading to the War of Spanish Succession, which erupted after Carlos II's death.

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