Greatest European Dynasties | Top 10 Countdown

The video script introduces a countdown of the top 10 European royal houses, selected and ranked by the narrator based on longevity, reign over multiple countries, and overall power. The criteria for selection include the age of the house, the number of countries they have ruled, and the period of dominance of the nation under their rule. The narrator emphasizes the subjectivity of the choices but also the attempt to apply a scientific approach to the ranking process.

This paragraph explains the concept of a royal house, highlighting that it is a family lineage based on the father's side. It discusses how royal houses change with the accession of a female monarch and provides historical examples such as Queen Victoria and the transition from the House of Hanover to the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, later Windsor. The distinction between royal and noble houses is clarified, with the focus on royal houses that have held the rank of king, queen, or higher.

The House of Savoy is introduced as an ancient family originating from the region of Savoy in Italy. Initially counts, they later became dukes and eventually rose to royalty during the War of the Spanish Succession. Their support for the Habsburgs earned them the crown of Sicily, which they later exchanged for Sardinia. The house's rule is noted for evolving into the Kingdom of Italy, marking their reign over a major power, with a brief mention of their connection to the Spanish throne.

The House of Wittelsbach is described as a Bavarian lineage with a history of holding significant positions, including the Holy Roman Emperor title, which they achieved three times. Despite short-lived reigns in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Bohemia, the Vitelsbach family established a more lasting rule in Sweden through the House of Palatinate-Zweibrücken. The formation of the Kingdom of Bavaria during the Napoleonic era and their subsequent role within the German Empire until 1918 is also highlighted.

The House of Nassau is discussed as starting with a German count and briefly holding the Holy Roman Emperor title. The Orange-Nassau branch's significance is underscored by William the Silent's leadership in the Dutch Revolt, leading to their rule over the Dutch Republic and later as kings when the Netherlands became a kingdom in 1815. The paragraph also touches on their co-monarchy in England and Scotland during the reign of William III and Mary II and the transition of the current Dutch monarchy to a different branch.

The House of Evreya, also known as the Ansakids, is presented as an old dynasty from northwest Italy with a history of ruling in Italy and later in Burgundy. The family's association with Spain is highlighted, with the Trastamara branch ruling in Castile, Aragon, and Sicily. The union of the crowns of Castile and Aragon under Ferdinand and Isabella is noted, as is the end of the Trastamara/Evreya line in 1516 and the transition of the Spanish throne to a different house.

The House of Hohenzollern is described as originating in the Rhineland and inheriting Brandenburg and Prussia. Their rise to power as kings in Prussia and later as German Emperors or Kaisers is detailed, with a focus on Frederick the Great's reign. The paragraph also mentions the family's continued rule as kings beyond World War I and their junior branch's rule in Romania until the establishment of a communist government.

The House of Welf, also known as the House of Brunswick-Lüneburg, is recognized for briefly holding the Holy Roman Emperor title and later ruling in various locations, including Great Britain as the House of Hanover. Their peak during the British Empire's expansion after the Napoleonic era is noted, as is the brief claim to the Russian throne through Ivan VI. The paragraph also acknowledges the House of Welf's ancient lineage, tracing back to Boniface of Tuscany.

The House of Wettin is highlighted for its diverse and ongoing rule across various European countries. The house's origins in Germany and its rise to royalty in Poland and Lithuania are discussed, as well as the creation of the Kingdom of Saxony. The prominence of the Saxe-Coburg and Gotha branch, which includes the current British monarchy, is emphasized, along with the house's rule in Belgium, Portugal, and Bulgaria.

The House of Oldenburg is noted for its long and widespread rule across Europe, with a focus on Denmark, where it has reigned for over 500 years. The house's association with Norway, Greece, and Russia, as well as its future claim to the British throne through the House of Windsor, is detailed. The paragraph also discusses the House of Oldenburg's various branches, including the House of Holstein-Gottorp and the Romanov dynasty in Russia.

The House of Habsburg is recognized for its significant role as the Holy Roman Emperors and rulers of Spain, Bohemia, and Hungary. The paragraph discusses the house's inbreeding issues leading to the extinction of the agnatic line in Spain and central Europe. The Habsburgs' continued rule as emperors of Austria from the House of Lorraine is also mentioned, setting the stage for the reveal of the top-ranked house.

The House of Capet is crowned as the greatest European royal house based on its antiquity, longevity, and rule over numerous independent thrones. The house's origins in France, continued rule in Spain, and influence across various European kingdoms are highlighted. The paragraph emphasizes the house's diverse branches, including the Valois, Bourbon, and Orléans, and their significant impact on European history.

The script concludes with a teaser for the next video, promising to reveal an even greater European royal house than those previously mentioned, including the Habsburgs and Capets. The narrator hints at a surprising discovery that has been overlooked in the study of European royal lines, which will provide the definitive answer to the question of the greatest European royal house of all time.