And I've run across a character by the name of Catherine De Medici...she seems like a very sinister historical figure but the book I'm reading isn't going into enough detail about her and I'm curious...can anyone tell me a little more about this strange, interesting character? I would greatly appreciate your taking the time to answer :)
Monc
Favorite Answer
Catherine de Medici is often portrayed as one of the most powerful Queens France ever had. She was Queen Dowager after her husband's death, but instead of retiring to the sidelines, she took center stage.
She terrorized her children, and, seeing as how she was mother to three Kings of France and then a Queen, she managed to be able have a large say in the governing of France. Even during her husband's lifetime, she was often humiliated by him with his official royal mistresses, but she did have a large say in what went on politically.
She is one of "those" Medicis. She was hated and feared by most of Europe. As you can see, she drove Mary Stuart out of France. She was also a famous rival for Queen Elizabeth, who toyed with the idea of marrying two her sons at various points.
She is often blamed for the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre. At the wedding of her daughter Marguerite to their distant protestant cousin Henri de Bourbon, King of the province of Navarre, she had her new son-in-law's protestant friends and guests killed in an attempt to reduce the influence of Admiral de Coligny, a protestant, on her son, King Charles.
Several biographies have been written about her and about the Valois court.
crazycatlady
Catherine De Medici was married to Henry II, mother to 10 children including Francis II, Charles IX and Henry III. She stayed out of the lime light during her husbands reign. When he died and Francis II became king she was thrust to the forefront, because he was a weak king. Francis II married Mary, Queen of Scots which undermined her authority and infuence.