Full Name: Charles Maximilien
Profession: King of France

Biography: Charles IX was the third son of Henry II and Catherine de Medici. He succeeded his brother Francis II's short reign aged just 10 years old in 1560. His mother was appointed his regent and would continue to exert a strong influence the King throughout his reign.

Charles' rule was dominated by the French War of Religions between the Calvinist Huguenots and the Catholics. In an attempt to make a peace between the two factions Charles' sister Margaret of Valois was married to Huguenot leader Henry of Navarre, later Henry IV in 1572 in Paris. An attempted assassination turned into the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre as Parisian mobs attacked Huguenots gathered for the wedding.

The massacre seems to have deeply effected the king. He died less than two years later in 1574 and was eventually succeeded by his brother Henry III.

Born: June 27, 1550
Birthplace: Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: May 30, 1574 (aged 23)
Cause of Death: Tuberculosis

Historical Events

• 1563-08-17 King Charles IX of France declared an adult at 13
• 1567-09-29 War of Religion breaks out in France - Huguenots try to kidnap King Charles IX
• 1570-07-25 Battle of Arnay-le-Duc, Burgundy: Huguenot victory forces Charles IX of France to agree to a peace treaty that ends the Third War of Religion
• 1572-08-24 St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre of Protestants by Roman Catholics begins in Paris and later spreads to the French provinces
• 1574-05-30 King Henry III follows brother Charles IX as King of France

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