House of Este facts for kids
The House of Este was a very important European dynasty (a powerful family that ruled for a long time). This family was split into two main parts, like two different family trees growing from the same roots.
The older part was called the "House of Welf-Este" or just "House of Welf." This branch included the dukes (rulers) of Brunswick and Lüneburg for many centuries. It also gave us the Hanoverian kings and queens of Britain, and even one Emperor of Russia, Ivan VI.
The younger part was known as the "House of Fulc-Este," or later simply as the "House of Este." This branch ruled as Sovereign Dukes of Ferrara from 1240 to 1597. They also ruled Modena and Reggio from 1288 to 1796. Later, when Maria Beatrice d'Este married Archduke Ferdinand of Austria in 1771, a new family line called the House of Austria-Este was formed.
The House of Este has a very long and rich history. The first known ancestor was Albert of Este, who passed away in 938. He was a powerful count and marquis. His great-grandson Albert Azzo II, Margrave of Milan is often seen as the true founder of the House of Este.
Este Dukes of Modena
These are the Este dukes who ruled Modena. The time they ruled is shown in parentheses.
- Cesare d'Este (1597–1628)
- Alfonso d'Este (1628–1629)
- Francesco I d'Este (1629–1658)
- Alfonso IV d'Este (1658–1662)
- Francesco II d'Este (1662–1694)
- Rinaldo d'Este (1695–1737)
- Francesco III d'Este (1737–1780)
- Ercole III d'Este (1780-1796)
- Francis IV (1814–1846)
- Francesco V (1846-1859)
- Modena became part of the new "Kingdom of Italy" in 1859.
Images for kids
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George I, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, and Prince-Elector of Hanover. Portrait from around 1714.
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Leonello d'Este, painted by Pisanello.
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Ercole I d'Este.
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Isabella d'Este, painted by Titian.
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Castello Estense in Ferrara.
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The Ducal Palace in Modena, built in 1634 by Francesco I d’Este.
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Ercole III was the last Este duke of Modena and Reggio.
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The House of Este held the city Este until 1240, then moved their capital to Ferrara.
See also
In Spanish: Casa de Este para niños
