Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette, one of history's most famous queens, was the wife of King Louis XVI of France. Born an Archduchess of Austria, she married the French dauphin in 1770 and became Queen of France when her husband ascended the throne in 1774.
Unlike other Queens on our list, Marie Antoinette is famous in a not-so-good way, whose reign was marked by heated debates and scandals. Her extravagant spending on clothing, gambling, and parties at a time of economic hardship for the French people earned her a reputation as a symbol of the excess and indifference of the French monarchy. Despite her efforts to become a more politically active queen and her support of various charities, she failed to gain the trust and support of the French people.
The French Revolution, which began in 1789, ultimately led to the fall of the monarchy and the end of Marie Antoinette's reign. She and her family were imprisoned during the Reign of Terror, and she was ultimately tried and executed by guillotine in 1793.
Marie Antoinette's legacy remains controversial to this day. While some view her as a symbol of the excess and decadence of the Ancien Régime, others remember her for her beauty, style, and bravery in the face of adversity. Regardless of one's perspective, her life and reign continue to capture the imagination and draw attention as a crucial moment in French history.
Age: 1755-1793
Country: France
Highlights:
- Became Queen of France after her husband ascended the throne in 1774
- Infamous for her extravagant spending
