The Stewart Dynasty was a royal family that ruled Scotland and later England from the late 14th century until the early 18th century. It began with Robert II, the first Stewart king of Scotland, and included notable monarchs like James I, Mary, Queen of Scots, and James VI of Scotland, who also became James I of England after the union of the crowns in 1603. The dynasty is known for its significant contributions to Scottish and English history, including the establishment of the Union of the Crowns and the promotion of the arts and culture during the Renaissance. The Stewart line ended with Queen Anne in 1714, leading to the rise of the House of Hanover.