I was born and raised in Naples; my mother is also from Naples. Italy has always been strategically appealing. The fact that it extends halfway into the Mediterranean, made it extremely important, particularly before aerial combat developed to where it is today, and maritime warfare / transit was key. read more
His reign started with the Burgundian Low Countries - the wealthiest place in the world at that time - , but he inherited more and more parts of Europe, and when he inherited Spain he began spending more and more time in Spain. read more
This expansion in turn played a major role in the many other transformations—social, political, and cultural—of the early modern age. By 1500 the population in most areas of Europe was increasing after two centuries of decline or stagnation. read more