# Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria

> Ruler of the Electorate of Bavaria from 1679 to 1726

**Wikidata**: [Q57628](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57628)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_II_Emanuel)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/maximilian-ii-emanuel-elector-of-bavaria

## Summary
Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria, was a prominent ruler of the Electorate of Bavaria from 1679 to 1726, known for his political leadership and military involvement, including his role in the Battle of Vienna in 1683. As an art collector and politician, he significantly influenced the cultural and political landscape of Bavaria during his reign.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 11, 1662
- **Nationality**: Bavarian (Holy Roman Empire)
- **Known for**: Ruling the Electorate of Bavaria and participating in key military conflicts, including the Battle of Vienna
- **Field(s)**: Politics, military leadership, art collection

## Contributions
Maximilian II Emanuel, Elector of Bavaria, is noted for his leadership during the Battle of Vienna in 1683, where Christian European forces, including those under his command, defeated the Ottoman Empire. His reign saw the expansion of Bavaria's influence within the Holy Roman Empire. Additionally, he was an avid art collector, contributing to the cultural enrichment of Bavaria.

## FAQs
**What was Maximilian II Emanuel's role in the Battle of Vienna?**
Maximilian II Emanuel played a significant role in the Battle of Vienna on September 12, 1683, where he commanded Bavarian forces as part of the Christian European coalition that defeated the Ottoman Empire.

**What was the duration of Maximilian II Emanuel's reign?**
Maximilian II Emanuel ruled the Electorate of Bavaria from 1679 to 1726, with a brief interruption during the War of the Spanish Succession when he was exiled from 1704 to 1714.

**What was Maximilian II Emanuel known for besides politics?**
Besides his political and military roles, Maximilian II Emanuel was known as an art collector, contributing to the cultural heritage of Bavaria.

## Why They Matter
Maximilian II Emanuel's leadership during critical military conflicts, such as the Battle of Vienna, helped shape the political and military landscape of Europe. His reign strengthened Bavaria's position within the Holy Roman Empire, and his patronage of the arts left a lasting cultural legacy. His contributions to both politics and culture have made him a significant figure in Bavarian and European history.

## Notable For
- Ruling the Electorate of Bavaria from 1679 to 1726
- Participating in the Battle of Vienna in 1683
- Being an art collector and patron of the arts
- Strengthening Bavaria's influence within the Holy Roman Empire

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Maximilian II Emanuel was born on July 11, 1662. He was a member of the Wittelsbach dynasty, which ruled the Electorate of Bavaria. His early life was marked by the political and military expectations of his family, preparing him for leadership roles within the Holy Roman Empire.

### Reign as Elector of Bavaria
Maximilian II Emanuel became the Elector of Bavaria in 1679, succeeding his father, Ferdinand Maria. His reign was characterized by both political and military challenges. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Vienna in 1683, where his leadership contributed to the defeat of the Ottoman Empire. This victory was significant in halting Ottoman expansion into Europe.

### Military and Political Challenges
During the War of the Spanish Succession, Maximilian II Emanuel initially allied with France, which led to his exile from Bavaria from 1704 to 1714. However, he later switched sides and allied with the Holy Roman Empire, which allowed him to regain his position as Elector of Bavaria.

### Cultural Contributions
Maximilian II Emanuel was not only a political and military leader but also an art collector. His patronage of the arts contributed to the cultural enrichment of Bavaria, leaving a legacy that extended beyond his political achievements.

### Legacy and Death
Maximilian II Emanuel's reign ended with his death on February 26, 1726. His leadership during critical military conflicts and his contributions to the arts have cemented his place as a significant figure in Bavarian and European history. His reign marked a period of both political and cultural development for Bavaria.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Genealogics
3. Union List of Artist Names. 2016
4. The Peerage
5. RKDartists
6. Find a Grave
7. International Standard Name Identifier
8. Virtual International Authority File
9. BnF authorities
10. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
11. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
13. FINA Wiki
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. LIBRIS. 2012
16. Sejm-Wielki.pl
17. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands