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There is only one dynasty that has expanded into a world hegemon spanning five continents and four oceans by relying on marriages and weddings. This is the Habsburg dynasty that has spanned Europe for a thousand years. "Laying a foundation" through marriage: In 1273, Rudolf I of Habsburg married eight of his children to major European nobles, quickly rising to become a powerful and important prince in the Holy Roman Empire. "Dominating Europe" through marriage: When Charles, Duke of Burgundy, died in battle in 1477, Maximilian took the opportunity to marry Charles' only daughter, Mary, and inherited the Duchy of Burgundy in its entirety, extending his power to eastern France and the Netherlands. The Habsburg dynasty became the most powerful dynasty in Europe. "Conquering the world" by marriage: In 1496, Prince Philip of Habsburg married Spanish princess Juana. As a result, the Kingdom of Spain became extinct, and the Habsburg family inherited the huge Kingdom of Spain and became the "Empire on which the Sun Never Sets."