Part 6/8:
As the Medici family faced internal strife, a significant pivot occurred in the 16th century with Catherine de’ Medici. Married off to the future King Henry II of France, she initially appeared an unassuming pawn. However, upon Henry's accidental death, she adeptly maneuvered her way into a position of power as queen, ruling through her sons amidst the Wars of Religion in France.
Catherine's reign became notorious for her cold political calculations, notably during the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, which saw thousands of Protestants slaughtered. Though she temporarily secured Catholic dominance, her legacy became marred by bloodshed.