King Charles IV

Charles IV (Spanish: Carlos Antonio Pascual Francisco Javier Juan Nepomuceno Jose Januario Serafin Diego; 11 November 1748 to 20 January 1819) was King of Spain from 14 December 1788 until his abdication on 19 March 1808. Charles was the second son of Charles III and his wife Maria Amalia of Saxony. He was born at Naples (11 November 1748), while his father was king of the Two Sicilies. His elder brother Don Felipe was passed over for the two thrones as he was mentally retarded and epileptic. In Naples and Sicily Charles was styled as the Prince of Taranto. He was called el Cazador (the Hunter) due to his preference for sport and hunting over affairs of state. Many considered Charles to be amiable but simple-minded. (The above from Wikipedia.)

PART TWO: PICTURES

Portraits of the family of Charles IV, his wife Maria Luisa of Parma, and his Prime Minister Manuel Godoy.

REQUIRED READING:

Chapter Seven: “The French Century”

Mark Williams, The Story of Spain: The Dramatic History of Europe’s Most Fascinating Country