Isabella Farnese

(born Oct. 25, 1692, Parma, Duchy of Parma—died July 11, 1766, Aranjuez, Spain) Queen consort of Philip V of Spain. A member of the ducal Farnese family of Parma, she became Philip's second wife in 1714 and quickly established ascendancy over her weak husband. Because his two sons by his first wife were in line to succeed him, she sought to secure Italian possessions for her own children, including Charles III. This quest embroiled Spain in wars and intrigues for three decades. However, she chose able and devoted ministers, who introduced beneficial internal reforms and improved Spain's economy. After Philip's death in 1746, she ceased to exert any real influence.