Philip III (1578-1621) king of Spain from
1598, the son and successor of Philip II by his fourth and last marriage.
An introspective and deeply religious man, he left government to corrupt
ministers and devoted himself to the interests of the church. During his
reign, agriculture and industry declined, and foreign wars drained the
treasury. In 1606 the Moriscos (Muslim converts to Christianity) were expelled
from Spain. He was married to Margaret of Austria (1584-1611), grand-niece
of Charles V. He was succeeded
by his son Philip IV.
See: Diego Velázquez. Queen
Margarita on Horseback.