The Wittelsbach Dynasty

Book excerpt: For nearly 800 years, the House of Wittelsbach ranked as one of the most resilient and influential of all European dynasties. Members of this remarkable family reigned not only in Bavaria, but also in many foreign lands and territories. At their zenith, the Wittelsbachs brought forth a powerful array of dukes, kings, and Holy Roman emperors who left their political and cultural imprint upon the whole of European history. Included in this book are biographies of the dynasty's most fascinating personalities, as well as useful information on their numerous castles and palaces.