Ranuccio II Farnese facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ranuccio II Farnese |
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Portrait of Ranuccio II by Jacob Denys
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| Duke of Parma and Piacenza | |
| Reign | 11 September 1646 – 11 December 1694 |
| Predecessor | Odoardo |
| Successor | Francesco |
| Regents | 1646–1648: Francesco Maria Farnese Margherita de' Medici |
| Born | 17 September 1630 Parma, Duchy of Parma and Piacenza |
| Died | 11 December 1694 (aged 64) Parma, Duchy of Parma and Piacenza |
| Burial | Sanctuary of Santa Maria della Steccata |
| Spouse | Margaret Yolande of Savoy Isabella d'Este Maria d'Este |
| Issue | Margherita Maria, Duchess of Modena Odoardo, Hereditary Prince of Parma Francesco, Duke of Parma Antonio, Duke of Parma |
| House | Farnese |
| Father | Odoardo Farnese, Duke of Parma |
| Mother | Margherita de' Medici |
Ranuccio II Farnese (born September 17, 1630 – died December 11, 1694) was an important ruler in Italy. He was the sixth Duke of Parma and Piacenza. He ruled for almost 50 years, from 1646 until his death. He was also the Duke of Castro for a few years, from 1646 to 1649.
Contents
Ranuccio's Early Life and Becoming Duke
Birth and Family Background
Ranuccio was born in Parma, a city in Italy. He was the oldest son of Odoardo Farnese, who was the fifth Duke of Parma. His mother was Margherita de' Medici, from a powerful family in Tuscany.
Becoming a Ruler at a Young Age
When Ranuccio's father suddenly passed away, Ranuccio became the new Duke. He was still very young, so he couldn't rule by himself yet. For the first two years, his uncle, Francesco Maria Farnese, and his mother helped him rule. This is called a "regency."
The Farnese Family History
Ranuccio belonged to the House of Farnese, a famous family. Their duchy, or territory ruled by a duke, was started by his ancestor, Pope Paul III. The Farnese family had been ruling Parma and Piacenza for a long time. They also held the title of Duke of Castro, a smaller territory.
Challenges and Conflicts During Ranuccio's Reign
Disputes with the Pope
Ranuccio's father had been involved in wars over the Duchy of Castro. This land was part of the Papal States, which were ruled by the Pope. The powerful family of Pope Urban VIII wanted to take Castro. They found a reason when Ranuccio's father couldn't pay his debts. Pope Urban VIII's family then took over Castro. However, the first war ended with the Pope's side losing.
The Destruction of Castro
When Ranuccio became Duke, he refused to pay the debts his father had agreed to. He also didn't accept the new bishop of Castro, who was chosen by the next Pope, Innocent X. In 1649, the new bishop was murdered on his way to Castro. Pope Innocent X blamed Ranuccio for this terrible event.
In response, the Pope's forces attacked Castro. They completely destroyed the city. Ranuccio's troops were defeated, and he could not get Castro back. He even tried to buy it back, but it was too late.
Expanding the Duchy and Later Troubles
Later, in 1672, Ranuccio bought two new areas, Bardi and Compiano. This helped to make his duchy bigger and gave it its final shape. Towards the end of his rule, his duchy faced more problems. Troops from the Holy Roman Empire moved through his lands. They were fighting in a big conflict called the War of the Grand Alliance. This caused a lot of difficulties for the people of Parma and Piacenza.
Ranuccio's Marriages and Children
Ranuccio II was married three times during his life.
First Marriage
On April 29, 1660, Ranuccio married Marguerite Yolande of Savoy. She was a princess from the Duchy of Savoy. They had two children, but sadly, both passed away shortly after birth.
Second Marriage
On February 18, 1664, Ranuccio married Isabella d'Este of Modena. She was a princess from Modena. They had three children:
- Margherita Maria Farnese: She later married the Duke of Modena.
- Teresa Farnese: She became a nun.
- Odoardo Farnese, Hereditary Prince of Parma: He was Ranuccio's oldest son who survived childhood. Odoardo was expected to become the next Duke, but he passed away before his father. He had a daughter named Elisabeth Farnese, who became a very important queen in Spain.
Third Marriage
On January 1, 1668, Ranuccio married Maria d'Este of Modena. She was Isabella's sister. They had nine children, but many of them also passed away young. Two of their sons later became Dukes of Parma:
- Francesco Farnese, Duke of Parma: He became the next Duke after Ranuccio.
- Antonio Farnese, Duke of Parma: He became Duke after his brother Francesco.
Images for kids
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Pope Innocent X, who destroyed Castro.
See also
In Spanish: Ranuccio II Farnesio para niños
