Princess Marie of Burgundy was born in 1457 and was the daughter of Charles the Bold, the Duke of Burgundy, and Isabelle of Portugal. She became a significant figure in European history due to her marriage to Maximilian I, the future Holy Roman Emperor, which united the powerful houses of Burgundy and Habsburg. Marie inherited her father's vast territories after his death in 1477, making her one of the most influential women of her time. Her marriage helped to strengthen the Habsburg dynasty, leading to a powerful political alliance that shaped the future of Europe.