DYKFACTS
The newly released show is based on the life of renowned Austrian royal Empress Sisi, also known as Elisabeth von Wittelsbach, who was wed to Emperor Franz Ferdinand.
Image: Cosmopolitian
Who is Elisabeth, or Empress Sisi? The real Elisabeth von Wittelsbach was born into the royal Bavarian House of Wittelsbach on December 24, 1837.
Image: Cosmopolitian
She broke a lot of royal rules. She was a common topic of gossip thanks to her habits of smoking, riding, and doing vigorous exercises like gymnastics
When did she marry Emperor Franz Joseph I? Elisabeth married Emperor Franz Joseph I when she was 16 years old. Franz was 23 years old, per Britannica.
Image: Netflix
Did Elisabeth and Franz love each other? Although the relationship is depicted in the series in a very happy and romantic, it's not entirely sure whether she actually shared his love in real life.
Image: Netflix
She is thought to have suffered from an eating disorder. She was idolized for her beauty and famous for her laborious beauty regimens and anti-aging concoctions.
Image: Netflix
Franz and Elisabeth had four children together. Elisabeth gave birth to three daughters and a son. Their first daughter, Sophie, was born in 1855, but she died in infancy
Image: Netflix
Is the Netflix show historically accurate? While the producers of The Empress took artistic liberties on some occasions, their goal was to be as historically accurate as possible
Image: Netflix
Image: Netflix