Birth of Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette was born on November 2, 1755, in Vienna, Austria, as Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna, the 15th child of Holy Roman Emperor Francis I and Empress Maria Theresa.
1755
1767
Betrothal to Louis-Auguste
Marie Antoinette was officially betrothed to Louis-Auguste, the Dauphin of France, strengthening the alliance between Austria and France.
1770
Marriage to Louis-Auguste
Marie Antoinette married Louis-Auguste on May 16, 1770, at the age of 14, becoming the Dauphine of France.
1774
Becomes Queen of France
Upon the death of King Louis XV, Louis-Auguste ascended to the throne as Louis XVI, making Marie Antoinette the Queen of France at the age of 18.
1781
Birth of First Child
Marie Antoinette gave birth to her first child, Marie-Thérèse Charlotte, on December 19, 1778. Her second child and first son, Louis Joseph, was born on October 22, 1781.
1785
The Diamond Necklace Affair
The Diamond Necklace Affair scandal erupted, damaging Marie Antoinette's reputation and fueling public dissatisfaction with the monarchy.
1789
French Revolution Begins
The French Revolution began, leading to the eventual downfall of the monarchy. Marie Antoinette and her family were forced to leave Versailles and move to the Tuileries Palace in Paris.
1791
Flight to Varennes
Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI attempted to escape France and reach Austria but were captured in Varennes and brought back to Paris.
1792
Imprisonment in the Temple
The royal family was imprisoned in the Temple, a medieval fortress in Paris, after the monarchy was abolished on August 10, 1792.
1793
Trial and Execution of Louis XVI
Louis XVI was tried and executed by guillotine on January 21, 1793. Marie Antoinette became a widow and continued to be held in captivity.
1793
Trial of Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette was put on trial by the Revolutionary Tribunal, accused of treason and other charges. She was found guilty and sentenced to death.
1793
Execution of Marie Antoinette
Marie Antoinette was executed by guillotine on October 16, 1793, at the Place de la Révolution in Paris.
1830
Posthumous Rehabilitation
Marie Antoinette's reputation began to be rehabilitated in the 19th century, with historians and writers portraying her in a more sympathetic light.
1956
Marie Antoinette in Popular Culture
The film "Marie Antoinette" was released, starring Norma Shearer, which contributed to the Queen's enduring legacy in popular culture.
2006
Sofia Coppola's "Marie Antoinette"
Director Sofia Coppola released her film "Marie Antoinette," starring Kirsten Dunst, offering a modern and stylized portrayal of the Queen's life.
2023
Marie Antoinette's Legacy
Marie Antoinette remains a significant historical figure, symbolizing the complexities of the French monarchy and the tumultuous period leading up to the French Revolution.
