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William the Silent (official name Wilhelmus de Zwijger) was born on April 24, 1533, in Dillenburg and passed away on July 10, 1584, in Delft. He was a politician, military personnel, and prince and had German and Dutch nationalities. William founded the House of Orange-Nassau and was the main leader of the Dutch Revolt. He held several pseudonyms like Willem de Zwijger, el Taciturno, and le Taciturne.
Born to William I, Count of Nassau-Dillenburg, and Juliana of Stolberg, William the Silent had 17 children, with some of them being Philip William, Prince of Orange, Maurice, Prince of Orange, and Frederick Henry, Prince of Orange. Through his legacy, he later became known as the founder of the Orange-Nassau branch and the ancestor of the monarchy of the Netherlands.
