At the height of its power, Prussia was ruled by the House of Hohenzollern, a royal family that presided over its expansive territories and built a military machine renowned for its discipline and effectiveness. Prussia's capital was initially Königsberg, but in 1701, it became Berlin when Prussia elevated itself to the status of a kingdom. Over the years, the Kingdom of Prussia became a major player in European affairs, with its well-organized army enabling it to extend its borders and influence across the continent.