About the book: 2018 / The reign of Philip II - the son of Charles V, the sovereign who held in his hands a significant part of Europe and the New World... Under him, the Siglo de Oro continued - The golden age of the Spanish Empire, when it remained the flagship of all Catholic Europe and the Americas. The final conquest of Chile, exploration of the Rio de la Plata, Parana, and Orinoco rivers. The founding of Buenos Aires and Asuncion - the future capitals of the new colonies - Argentina and Paraguay .The annexation of Portugal to Spain and the transfer of Portugal's overseas colonies to the rule of Madrid. The conquest of the Philippine Islands and dreams of penetrating China. How did the first of the empires on which the sun never set live? Read about this in a fascinating study by British historian Hugh Thomas.