Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society How Incestuous Were The Habsburgs?
Jul 29, 2025
In this enlightening discussion, historian Estelle Paranque, a descendant of the Habsburgs and Associate Professor at Northeastern University London, takes us deep into the world of the infamous royal family. She reveals the shocking extent of their incestuous practices, exploring the genetic consequences faced by figures like Charles II of Spain. Paranque dives into how these marriages affected their power, health, and public perception, comparing their legacy to modern shows like 'Game of Thrones' and unpacking the scandals that came with their unusual family dynamics.
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Habsburgs' Extreme Inbreeding Impact
- The Habsburgs were infamous for extreme inbreeding to preserve power within the family.
- This led to severe health problems, including infertility and physical deformities like Charles II's jaw abnormalities.
Charles V's Empire Unification
- Charles V united the Habsburg empire by inheriting German lands and Spain through marriage.
- His reign symbolized the growing power and complexity of European dynasties in the 16th century.
Incestuous Habsburg Marriages
- The Habsburgs commonly married close relatives like siblings, uncles, and nieces to maintain power.
- This extreme incest trend was unusual even among European royal families, often involving full siblings.