Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor, ruled from 1493 until his death in 1519. He was a member of the Habsburg dynasty and played a crucial role in expanding its influence across Europe. His reign marked the beginning of the Habsburg dominance in European politics, as he arranged strategic marriages to strengthen alliances. Maximilian was known for his military campaigns and efforts to reform the Holy Roman Empire. He promoted the use of art and culture, commissioning works from artists like Albrecht Dürer. His legacy includes the establishment of the Habsburg dynasty as a major power in European history.