Philip the Handsome, born in 1478, was a Spanish prince and the son of Maximilian I and Mary of Burgundy. He became the Duke of Burgundy and was known for his striking appearance, which earned him the nickname "the Handsome." His marriage to Joanna of Castile united the Spanish and Burgundian crowns, significantly impacting European politics. Philip ruled for a brief period before his untimely death in 1506. His reign was marked by political intrigue and the challenges of managing a vast territory. He was the father of Charles V, who would later become a prominent Holy Roman Emperor, further shaping European history.