Philip II of Spain (May 21, 1527 – September 13, 1598) was, starting in 1556, king of Spain, and Burgundy, the Netherlands, Naples, Sicily, and overseas Spanish America. He was born in Valladolid, and was the only son of Holy Roman Emperor Charles V and his wife to live until he was an adult. He was Catholic. His rule was filled with troubles. His war against the Dutch Republic was expensive and unsuccessful and his Spanish Armada was defeated and destroyed. This caused him to be harsh on his people.