The history of the Habsburg dynasty begins with the legend of the ravens-saviors, who, due to the fact that one of the family did not keep the oath, became the messengers of misfortune and death for the representatives of the dynasty.This family ruled Austria from 1278 th to 1918, the Holy Roman Empire from 1438 to 1806, and Austria-Hungary from 1867 to 1918. Among the Habsburgs were enlightened monarchs like Maximilian II and mystics like Rudolf II| those who had to wear the crown for a very short time, like Albrecht III, and those who ruled "happily ever after", like Maria Theresa. But one day, they say, a flock of ravens flew over Sarajevo, a shot rang out - and a war began, as a result of which not only the Habsburg empire collapsed, but many others as well. The dream of the Habsburgs about the unification of Europe under their scepter has gone into oblivion. But many years passed, and Europe nevertheless became united, the European Union was born, at the origins of which stood Otto von Habsburg, a descendant of the imperial dynasty.