Maurice of Nassau was a prominent military leader and politician in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Born in 1567, he was the son of William of Orange, a key figure in the Dutch struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Maurice played a crucial role in the Eighty Years' War, leading the Dutch Republic to several significant victories against the Spanish forces. As the Stadtholder of Holland, Zeeland, and Utrecht, Maurice implemented innovative military strategies and fortification techniques. His leadership not only strengthened the Dutch military but also contributed to the establishment of the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by economic prosperity and cultural achievements.