Maximilian I was a Holy Roman Emperor who reigned from 1493 until his death in 1519. He was born on March 22, 1459, in Wiener Neustadt, Austria. Maximilian was a member of the Habsburg dynasty and played a significant role in European politics, expanding his family's influence through strategic marriages and alliances. He is known for his efforts to reform the empire and strengthen its central authority. Maximilian also promoted the arts and culture, commissioning works from artists like Albrecht Dürer. His reign marked the beginning of the Habsburg dominance in European affairs, setting the stage for future emperors.