Philip I
1506 - 1506
The eldest son of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor (1459-1519) and Mary of Burgundy (1457-1482), Philip of Austria inherited the Burgundian Netherlands on his mother's death in 1482, although a Council of Regency exercised power until he was proclaimed of age in 1494. Known as Philip the Handsome, his rule in the Netherlands was characterised by balance between the Sovereign’s authority and respect for local governmental institutions, as well as the promotion of economic activities. In terms of foreign policy, Philip the Handsome was in favour of maintaining cordial relations with France, reinstating trade with England, and exploring new diplomatic and commercial opportunities with other European powers. This was the case of the alliance he entered into, at the ...
