Maximilian I was born on March 22, 1459 as the only surviving son of Emperor Frederick III (1415-1493) and Eleanor of Portugal (1436-1467) in Wiener Neustadt. From his childhood, he was prepared for his role as a sovereign.
Maximilian went through a difficult childhood. In 1462, his uncle Albert IV as well as the Viennese population besieged the Hofburg in Vienna and the locked inhabitants suffered from hunger. Little Maximilian fell seriously ill and was in a critical condition.
In addition, Maximilian was torn between his parents who did not get along very well. This was also reflected in his education: his father attached great importance to practical education and toughening up; the mother spoilt her son and awakened his sense for artistic works and representation.
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