BOURBON, HOUSE OF

One of the most important ruling houses of Europe.

Its members were descended from Louis I, duc de Bourbon from 1327 to 1342, grandson of the French king Louis IX . Bourbons subsequently ruled in France (1589–1792, 1814–48); in Spain (1700–1868, 1870–73, 1874–1931, and since 1975); and in Naples and Sicily (1735–1861). Among its prominent members were Henry IV , Louis XIII , Louis XIV , Louis XV , Louis XVI , and Philip V .