How Inbred were the Habsburgs?
The interbreeding within the Habsburg family (also known as the House of Austria) is a well-known historical scandalous phenomenon that occurred over several generations, but just how inbred were they?
The practice of intermarriage within royal families was common during the era Habsburg reign, as it was believed to strengthen political alliances, maintain dynastic power, and preserve family wealth and influence. They themselves engaged openly in strategic marriages with other royal families (and even their own) across Europe to solidify their political position and expand their territories.
However, over time, the intermarriage within the Habsburg family led to a concentration of inherited genetic traits and an increased risk of genetic disorders. The most well-known consequence of this interbreeding was the occurrence of a condition known as the ‘Habsburg jaw’ or mandibular prognathism, which affected several members of the family. The Habsburg jaw is characterized by a prominent lower jaw (underbite), often accompanied by dental malocclusion and other related issues. This distinctive physical trait was often more prevalent within the family, when following an intermarriage between close relatives.
