Maximilian of Bavaria (1573-1651) was a significant figure in the history of the Holy Roman Empire. He served as the Elector of Bavaria from 1597 until his death and played a crucial role during the Thirty Years' War. His leadership helped to strengthen the power of the Bavarian state and the Catholic cause in the conflict. As a patron of the arts and sciences, Maximilian supported various cultural initiatives, contributing to the development of Baroque architecture in Bavaria. He commissioned notable buildings, including the Munich Residenz, which became a symbol of his reign and the cultural flourishing of the region.