Knowra Marie de' Medici Marie de' Medici Marie de' Medici was queen of France as the second wife of Henry IV and regent for their son Louis XIII from 1610 to 1617. Her rule was marked by court factionalism, a pro-Spanish policy, and conflict with her son.
Henry IV of France : King of France from 1589 until his assassination in 1610, and Marie de' Medici's husband. His death made Marie regent for their young son.
Regency : A period of rule by a regent acting for a monarch unable to govern, usually because of minority or incapacity. Marie exercised royal authority because Louis XIII was a child when Henry IV died.
Spanish Match : The double marriage alliance of 1615 linking Louis XIII to Anne of Austria and Philip IV of Spain to Elisabeth of France. Marie pursued the Spanish alliance through the marriages of her children.
House of Medici : An Italian family that produced rulers of Florence, popes, and influential patrons of art and learning. Marie inherited the family's wealth, political connections, and dynastic identity.
Louis XIII : King of France from 1610 to 1643, son of Henry IV and Marie de' Medici. His minority enabled Marie's regency; their later struggle ended her political dominance.
Estates-General of 1614 : The French assembly of clergy, nobility, and commoners convened in 1614, the last before 1789. Marie summoned it to address disputes during her regency, but it produced few lasting reforms.
Anne of Austria : Queen of France as the wife of Louis XIII and regent for their son Louis XIV. Marie arranged Anne's marriage to Louis XIII as part of her Spanish policy.
Francesco I de' Medici : Grand duke of Tuscany from 1574 to 1587 and Marie de' Medici's father. His rule established the Tuscan court into which Marie was born.
Concino Concini : An Italian courtier and political favorite of Marie de' Medici, assassinated in 1617 on Louis XIII's orders. His influence made him a focus of opposition to Marie's government.
Treaty of Sainte-Menehould : A 1614 agreement between the French crown and rebellious princes that granted concessions and helped end their revolt. It shows Marie bargaining with nobles who challenged the royal government.
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