Charles III of Spain Biography

Charles III was a King of Spain who ruled from August 1759 to December 1788. He also reigned over Naples as Charles VII and Sicily as Charles V from May 1734 and October 1759, respectively. The eldest child born from the union of Philip V of Spain and his second wife Elisabeth Farnese, Charles became the Duke of Parma and Piacenza when he 15 years old, succeeding his childless grand-uncle Antonio Farnese. In 1738, he exchanged wedding vows with Princess Maria Amalia of Saxony, and they went on to have 13 children, eight of whom survived childhood. He had three older brothers from his father’s previous marriage, but none of them left an heir. Following the death of his half-brother Ferdinand VI, Charles ascended the Spanish throne. Over the course of his reign, he established himself as a proponent of enlightened absolutism. He introduced a number of comprehensive reforms, including the patronage of science and university research, promotion of trade and commerce, and revitalization of agriculture. He also attempted to reduce the influence of the church and make the Spanish army and navy stronger. Widely considered to be the most successful ruler of his generation, Charles led Spain into the modern age.