The history of the Habsburg dynasty begins with the legend of the saving crows, which due to the fact that one of the family did not keep the oath, became a harbinger of misfortune and death for the dynasty.
This family ruled Austria from 1278- until 1918, the Holy Roman Empire - from 1438 to 1806, and Austria-Hungary from 1867 to 1918. Among the Habsburgs were enlightened monarchs, such as Maximilian II, and mystics such as Rudolf II; those who had to wear the crown for a very short time, like Albrecht III, and those who ruled "long and happily", like Maria Theresa. But one day, they say, a flock of crows flew over Sarajevo, a shot was fired - and a war broke out, which collapsed not only the Habsburg Empire, but many others. The Habsburgs' dream of uniting Europe under their scepter vanished. But many years passed, and Europe still became united, the European Union was born, at the origins of which was Otto von Habsburg, a descendant of the imperial dynasty.