Victor Amadeus II

Full Name: Vittorio Amedeo Francesco
Profession: Duke of Savoy

Nationality:

Biography: Victor Amadeus II was the Duke of Savoy from 1675 to 1730. He also held the titles of Marquis of Saluzzo, Duke of Montferrat, Prince of Piedmont, Count of Aosta, Moriana and Nice, and Lord of Pinerolo. He is notable for his role in the War of the Spanish Succession.

Victor Amadeus was born in Turin on May 14, 1666. His father was Charles Emmanuel II, Duke of Savoy, and his mother was Marie Jeanne Baptiste of Savoy-Nemours. In 1684 he married Anne Marie d'Orléans, the daughter of Philippe de France, Duke of Orléans, and his wife, Henrietta Anne of England.

Victor Amadeus was a devout Catholic and an ardent supporter of the Counter-Reformation. He worked to suppress Protestantism in his duchy and built numerous churches and monasteries, including the Basilica of Superga near Turin.

During the War of the Spanish Succession, Victor Amadeus initially allied himself with France, but later switched sides and allied himself with Austria and Spain. He was rewarded for his change of allegiance by being made King of Sicily in 1713.

He was forced to give up Sicily in 1720, however, when Austria and Spain signed the Treaty of The Hague which ended the war. Victor Amadeus was instead made King of Sardinia.

Born: May 14, 1666
Birthplace: Royal Palace, Turin, Savoy
Star Sign: Taurus

Died: October 31, 1732 (aged 66)