Catherine De Medici

Birth

Apr 13, 1519

Caterina Maria Romola di Lorenzo de Medici was born in Florence on 13 April 1519. Her parents were Lorenzo, Duke of Urbino and Madeleine de la Tour d'Auvergne. Both of her parents died shortly after her birth. Her father's relative Cardinal Guilio de' Medici came to Florence to take control of the Florentine government and to care for the young Catherine.

Taken Hostage

Feb 8, 1527

In 1527, when Catherine was eight years old, the Medici palace in Florence was attacked by a mob of Florentines. Her relatives who lived in the palace with her decided to flee the palace but they were ordered by the rebellion leaders to leave young Catherine behind, so that they would have a valuable hostage in the future. After Catherine was taken hostage she was placed in various convents in and around the city.

Marrage

Oct 28, 1533

At the age of 14 Catherine was arranged to be married to a boy named Henry of Orleans. Catherine wanted to make a good impression on the Royal Court of France so she had a French artisian make her the first version of the high heel. After her marriage she traveled and saw most of France.

Next for the Throne

Feb 8, 1536

Henry's older brother died, leaving Henry the next to inherit the throne. This caused a commotion in France because Catherine would be Queen. The fact that she was Italian infuriated France.

Francis II

Jan 19, 1544

Catherine tried everthing to get preganate and at last gave birth to a son, named after King Francis. Francis II became king at the age of fifteen. He then Married MAry, Queen of Scots and later died on the 5th of December, 1560.

Queen

Feb 8, 1547

Catherine's father in law, Francis I died. Her husband became King Henry II of France, and Catherine was now the Queen. Catherine's severe unpopularity with the French people became greater than ever.

Charles IX

Jun 27, 1550

Charles IX became King Of France, at the age of 10, after the death of his brother Frances. Charles married Elisabeth of Austria and had one daughter, Marie Elisabeth of Valois. In 1573, Charles had a son, Charles, with his mistress Marie Touchet. Charles IX died at the age of twenty-three.

Henry III

Sep 19, 1551

Henry III was Catherines favorite child. Henry was crowned king of France on 13 February 1575. Two days later Henry married Louise of Lorraine. On 1 August 1589 Henry was stabbed by a man named Clément and died a day later from the wound.

Henry II Dies

Jul 10, 1559

A tournament was held in Paris to celebrate a peace treaty between France and Spain. Henry wasnt feeling well and Catherine tried to persuade him not to joust. Henry insisted on another contest with Montgomery, who did his best to refuse. Montgomery’s lance struck the king’s helmet and a long splinter pierced Henry’s eye and penetrated his brain.

St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre

Aug 23, 1572

Catherine and her advisers expected a Huguenot uprising to avenge the attack on Coligny. They chose to strike first and wipe out the Huguenot leaders while they were still in Paris after the wedding.

Death

Jan 5, 1589

Catherine died at the age of sixty-nine, from pleurisy. She gave birth to ten children. Her three oldest sons became king of France; two of her daughters married kings; and one married a duke. Catherine outlived all her children except Henry III, who died seven months after her, and Margaret, who inherited her horrible health.