Renaissance, Religion and War in Catherine de Medici’s France, 1515-1610

The 16th century was one of the most dynamic in French History. The Valois dynasty under King Francis I seemed at the center of European affairs, competing effectively with its rivals in England and in the Spanish, Ottoman and Holy Roman Empires. Yet, in one generation, France was plunged into civil and religious war that left the country bloodied and disunited. Queen Catherine de Medici (a foreigner) was at the center of these upheavals. Here, we will look at her life, times, and other key figures including her sons, Kings Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III and key in-laws of her children such as Mary Queen of Scots and King Henry IV, revealing a foundational century in the history of western Europe.

Host or Publisher Jared N. Day, PhD