# Elisabeth of Valois

> Queen consort of Spain (1545-1568)

**Wikidata**: [Q176041](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q176041)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elisabeth_of_Valois)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/elisabeth-of-valois

## Summary
Elisabeth of Valois was a French aristocrat and Queen consort of Spain, born in 1545 and reigning until her death in 1568. As the daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici, she played a significant diplomatic role through her marriage to King Philip II of Spain, strengthening ties between France and Spain during a pivotal period in European history.

## Biography
- **Born:** April 2, 1545, in Fontainebleau, France
- **Nationality:** French
- **Known for:** Serving as Queen consort of Spain from 1559 to 1568
- **Field(s):** Royalty, diplomacy

## Contributions
Elisabeth of Valois contributed to the political and diplomatic landscape of 16th-century Europe through her marriage to Philip II of Spain. This union was part of the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis (1559), which ended the Italian Wars between France and Spain. Her role as queen consort helped solidify the alliance between the two powerful nations, influencing European politics during her lifetime.

## FAQs
**Who was Elisabeth of Valois?**
Elisabeth of Valois was a French princess who became Queen consort of Spain through her marriage to King Philip II. She was the daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici.

**What was Elisabeth of Valois's role in European diplomacy?**
Elisabeth's marriage to Philip II of Spain was a key diplomatic move that helped secure peace between France and Spain after the Italian Wars, as outlined in the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis.

**When did Elisabeth of Valois reign as Queen of Spain?**
Elisabeth served as Queen consort of Spain from 1559 until her death in 1568.

## Why They Matter
Elisabeth of Valois mattered because her marriage symbolized and reinforced the peace between France and Spain, two of Europe's most powerful nations at the time. Her role as queen consort helped maintain stability in Europe during a period of frequent conflicts and shifting alliances. Without her diplomatic marriage, the political landscape of 16th-century Europe might have been significantly different.

## Notable For
- Being the daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici
- Marrying King Philip II of Spain as part of the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis
- Serving as Queen consort of Spain from 1559 to 1568
- Playing a key role in Franco-Spanish diplomacy during the 16th century

## Body
### Early Life and Family
Elisabeth of Valois was born on April 2, 1545, in Fontainebleau, France. She was the second daughter of King Henry II of France and Catherine de' Medici, making her a member of the powerful House of Valois. Her upbringing in the French royal court prepared her for a life of political significance and diplomatic importance.

### Marriage and Diplomatic Role
In 1559, at the age of 14, Elisabeth married King Philip II of Spain. This marriage was arranged as part of the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis, which ended the long-standing Italian Wars between France and Spain. The union was not only a personal one but also a strategic alliance that aimed to secure peace and stability between the two nations.

### Reign as Queen Consort of Spain
Elisabeth served as Queen consort of Spain from 1559 until her death in 1568. During her reign, she played a crucial role in maintaining the alliance between France and Spain. Her position as queen consort allowed her to influence court life and politics, contributing to the stability of the Spanish monarchy during a period of significant European conflicts.

### Legacy and Impact
Elisabeth of Valois's marriage to Philip II of Spain had a lasting impact on European diplomacy. Her role in securing the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis helped to establish a period of relative peace between France and Spain, which was crucial for the political stability of Europe during the 16th century. Her legacy is remembered as a key figure in the diplomatic history of Europe, bridging the gap between two of its most powerful nations.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Source
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Sejm-Wielki.pl
8. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File