Maria Carolina of Austria was born on August 13, 1752, in Vienna, Austria. She was the daughter of Empress Maria Theresa and Holy Roman Emperor Francis I. In 1765, she married King Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, becoming queen consort. Maria Carolina played a significant role in the political and cultural life of her kingdom. As queen, Maria Carolina was known for her strong personality and influence over her husband. She supported reforms in education and the economy, aiming to modernize the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Her reign was marked by her efforts to strengthen the monarchy and improve the lives of her subjects.