Henry II of France

A member of the Valois Dynasty, Henri II ruled France from 1547-1559.

Born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, he ruled France for 12 years until an accident took his life. He married Catherine de Medici (1519-1589).

His reign was marked by wars with Austria, and the persecution of the Protestant Hugenots. Henri II severely punished them, buring them alive or cutting out their tongues for speaking their Protestant beliefs. Even someone suspected of being a Hugenot was imprisoned for life.

Henri II was an avid hunter and participant in jousting tournaments. On July 1, 1559, during a match to celebrate a peace treaty with his longtime enemies, the Hapsburgs of Austria and to celebrate the marriage of his daughter to the King of Spain, King Henri's eye was pierced by a sliver from a shattered lance that penetrated the brain. He died a few days later.

Henri II's death resulted in the next forty years in France filled with turbulence as his sons and other claimants to the French crown fought for power.

King Henri II is buried in Saint Denis Basilica.