Emperor Francis I of Austria elevated the five children of Mayer Amschel Rothschild, the founder of the banking dynasty, to the rank of baron, as well as their legitimate male and female descendants with the surname Rothschild, regardless of nationality. It was a dynasty of Jewish origin, bankers, philanthropists, patrons, builders, and art collectors. They served not only in Austria, but also in England, Prussia, and Russia. They were the first Jews to be awarded a noble title.
