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Catherine de Medici
Historical Figures
Catherine de Medici
The influential queen who played a pivotal role in shaping French politics and culture during her husband's reign.
Born
1519
Died
1589
Nationality
French
Profession
Queen of France
Life Journey & Timeline
Explore 10 key moments that shaped Catherine de Medici's extraordinary life and lasting legacy.
1519
1519-04-13
Birth
Born in Florence, Republic of Florence
•Age 0•Florence, Italy
Catherine de Medici was born to Lorenzo de' Medici, Duke of Urbino, and Madeleine de La Tour d'Auvergne. Her parents died shortly after her birth, leaving her an orphan.
1527
Education
Educated by the Dominicans and Augustinians
•Age 8•Florence, Italy
After the death of her parents, Catherine was raised by various relatives and received a comprehensive education from the Dominicans and Augustinians in Florence.
1533
1533-10-28
Personal
Married Henry, Duke of Orléans
•Age 14•Marseille, France
Catherine married Henry, the second son of King Francis I of France, in a political alliance arranged by Pope Clement VII, her uncle. This marriage aimed to strengthen the French-Italian alliance.
1547
Career
Became Queen of France
•Age 28•Paris, France
Catherine became Queen of France when her husband Henry II ascended the throne. She played a significant role in the court, though initially overshadowed by her husband's mistress, Diane de Poitiers.
1559
1559-07-10
Milestone
Henry II's Death and Ascension of Francis II
•Age 40•Paris, France
King Henry II died in a jousting accident, and Catherine's eldest son Francis II became king. Catherine began to wield more political influence as the queen mother.
1560
Career
Became Regent of France
•Age 41•Paris, France
After the death of Francis II, Catherine became regent for her young son Charles IX. She faced the challenges of religious conflicts and political intrigue during the French Wars of Religion.
1572
1572-08-24
Achievement
St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre
•Age 53•Paris, France
Catherine is often implicated in the planning of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, a wave of organized violence against the Huguenots (French Protestants) that began in Paris and spread across France.
1574
Milestone
Ascension of Henry III
•Age 55•Paris, France
Catherine's third son, Henry III, became king after the death of Charles IX. Catherine continued to influence French politics and attempted to maintain stability during a tumultuous period.
1583
Personal
Marriage of Henry of Navarre
•Age 64•Paris, France
Catherine arranged the marriage of her daughter Marguerite de Valois to Henry of Navarre, a significant political move to try to ease religious tensions and secure alliances.
1589
1589-01-05
Death
Died at the Château de Blois
•Age 69•Blois, France
Catherine de Medici died at the Château de Blois. Her legacy as a queen and regent is marked by her efforts to navigate the complex religious and political landscape of 16th-century France.
Major Achievements
Discover the groundbreaking contributions that made Catherine de Medici a legendary figure.
1
Marriage to King Henry II of France
2
Patronage of the arts and architecture
3
Influence during the French Wars of Religion
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Cultural & Historical Context
Italian-French
Personality Traits
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AmbitiousStrategicDiplomatic