Catherine de Medici (born Caterina Maria Romola di Lorenzo de Medici; April 13, 1519 – January 5, 1589) was a member of the powerful Italian Medici family who became queen consort of France through her marriage to King Henry II. As queen consort and, later, queen mother, Catherine was highly influential during a period of intense religious and civil conflict.
Early Life
Catherine was born in 1519 in Florence to Lorenzo de Medici, duke of Urbino and ruler of Florence, and his French wife, Madeleine.
Only weeks later, however, Madeleine fell ill and died. Her husband followed a week later.
