Birth of Philip II
Birth of Philip II
Role range: 1556-1598
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Philip II Biography and Timeline
Follow Philip II through 145 dated historical records for Spain.
Philip II, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
145Distinct records
1 of 4Page
1527–1559Years on this page
1527
1540
Rule of Milan
Given the Government of Milan
Role range: 1556-1598
1543
Marriage
Marries Maria of Portugal, 1st of 4 wives
Role range: 1556-1598
First Marriage of Philip II
The dynastic marriage strengthens ties between Spain and Portugal.
Marriage to Maria Manuela
Marries Maria Manuela of Portugal while still a teenage prince.
Habsburg Government Training
His father prepares him for eventual succession to Habsburg rule.
Role range: 1543-1556
Political Apprenticeship
Begins exercising substantial authority in the Spanish kingdoms.
Role range: 1543-1556
Philip Given Government Responsibilities
Begins practical training in ruling the Spanish monarchy.
Role range: 1543-1556
Regency of Spain
Receives major governing responsibilities in Spain from Charles V.
Role range: 1543-1556
1545
Death of Philip II
Death of Maria of Portugal, a few weeks after giving birth to Carlos
Role range: 1556-1598
1554
Marriage
Arrives in Southampton on his way to marry Mary I
Role range: 1556-1598
Marriage
Mary I marries her cousin the future Philip II of Spain, in Winchester cathedral
Role range: 1556-1598
Marriage
Philip & Mary are greeted with a pageantry in the City of London after their marriage
Role range: 1556-1598
Marriage
Philip returns to Spain
Role range: 1556-1598
Dynastic Marriage Negotiations at Madrid
Sends de Feria to Elizabeth I to arrange a marriage, the mission fails
Role range: 1556-1598
Rule of Naples
Given the Government of Naples & Sicily
Role range: 1556-1598
Rule of Sicily
Given the Government of Naples & Sicily
Role range: 1556-1598
1555
Coronation
Prompted by Philip II wishing to be crowned King of England
Role range: 1556-1598
Plot
Prompted by Philip II wishing to be crowned King of England
Role range: 1556-1598
Succession
Philip II supports Elizabeth's succession to the English throne to stop Mary of Scots
Role range: 1556-1598
Rule of Netherlands, The
Philip II is given the Government of The Netherlands by his father Charles V
Role range: 1556-1598
Succession
Succeeds as Duke of Burgundy
Role range: 1556-1598
1556
Spanish Throne
Philip becomes King of Spain while remaining Mary I's husband
Role range: 1556-1598
Declaration of War
Spain & France go to war
Role range: 1556-1598
Constitution of Spain
Given the Government of Spain
Role range: 1556-1598
Abdication
Philip II retains Spain, Italy & The Netherlands
Role range: 1556-1598
Succession
Succeeds as King of Spain, only son of Emperor Charles V & Isabella of Portugal
Role range: 1556-1598
Rebellion of Rebels in Madrid
Jesuits begin a Counter-Reformation, alienating Protestants & Catholics
Role range: 1556-1598
1557
Marriage
Philip II visits England to arrange marriage between Elizabeth I & Emmanuel Philibert
Role range: 1556-1598
Visit to England to arrange marriage between Elizabeth I
Philip II visits England to arrange marriage between Elizabeth I & Emmanuel Philibert
Role range: 1556-1598
Marriage
Philip II visits England to arrange marriage between Elizabeth I & Emmanuel Philibert
Role range: 1556-1598
English Alliance
Philip draws England into war against France
Role range: 1551-1559 – 1556-1598
Declaration of War
Philip II persuades his wife Mary I to declare war on France
Role range: 1556-1598
Battle of St Quentin
Philip II defeats the forces of Henry II of France & drives the French out of Italy
Role range: 1556-1598
Invasion of France
Invades northern France with a force of 50,000 including 7,000 English
Role range: 1556-1598
Invasion of Italy
Philip II defeats the forces of Henry II of France & drives the French out of Italy
Role range: 1556-1598
1558
War with France
Philip II continues the Habsburg war against France
Role range: 1551-1559 – 1556-1598
Battle of Gravelines
Spanish forces defeat the French near Gravelines
Role range: 1551-1559 – 1556-1598
Mary I Dies
Mary I dies leaving Philip II without the English crown
Role range: 1556-1598
1559
Rule of Franche-Comte
Under the Treaty of Cateau Cambresis Spain retains Franche-Comte
Role range: 1556-1598
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.