The Rothschild banking family is a wealthy and influential family originally from Frankfurt, Germany. They rose to prominence in the late 18th century when Mayer Amschel Rothschild established a banking business and expanded it through his five sons across Europe, including cities like London, Paris, and Vienna. The family's banking empire played a significant role in financing governments and large projects, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. Over the years, the Rothschilds have diversified their investments into various sectors, including mining, agriculture, and real estate, maintaining their status as one of the world's most notable banking families.