Catherine De Medici: A Renaissance Queen Who Changed the Course of French History

Catherine De Medici was born in Florence, Italy, in 1519. She was the daughter of Lorenzo II de' Medici, Duke of Urbino, and Madeleine de la Tour d'Auvergne. Catherine's family was one of the most powerful and influential in Europe, and she was raised in a life of luxury and privilege.

Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France

by Leonie Frieda

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Language	:	English
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In 1533, at the age of 14, Catherine was married to Henry, Duke of Orléans, who became King of France in 1547. Catherine was a beautiful and intelligent woman, and she quickly became one of the most influential figures at the French court. She was a skilled diplomat and politician, and she played a major role in shaping French foreign policy.

Catherine was also a patron of the arts and sciences. She founded the Collège de France, one of the most prestigious universities in Europe. She also commissioned many works of art, including the famous Fontainebleau Palace.

Catherine's reign was marked by religious conflict. She was a devout Catholic, and she opposed the spread of Protestantism in France. This led to a series of religious wars that ravaged the country for decades.

Catherine died in 1589, at the age of 70. She was a complex and controversial figure, but there is no doubt that she was one of the most important and influential women in French history.

Catherine's Accomplishments

* She was a skilled diplomat and politician. * She played a major role in shaping French foreign policy. * She was a patron of the arts and sciences. * She founded the Collège de France, one of the most prestigious universities in Europe. * She commissioned many works of art, including the famous Fontainebleau Palace.

Catherine's Legacy

* Catherine's legacy is complex and controversial. * She was a powerful and influential queen who played a major role in French history. * She was also a devout Catholic who opposed the spread of Protestantism in France, which led to a series of religious wars that ravaged the country for decades. * Despite her flaws, Catherine De Medici was a remarkable woman who left a lasting mark on French history.

Further Reading

* Catherine De Medici: A Life with Catherine De Medici by Leonie Frieda * Catherine De Medici and the French Wars of Religion by R.J. Knecht * Catherine De Medici: Renaissance Queen of France by Caroline Murphy

Catherine de Medici: Renaissance Queen of France

by Leonie Frieda

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	68828 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	488 pages
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE