Fast and Loose with History Isn't Always Bad

Last year the CW Network premiered a new drama based in the intrigues of the French royal court in the mid-sixteenth century. "Reign" never promised to be a historically accurate portrayal, and now at the opening of its second season, historical accuracy seems to have flown out the proverbial oriel window. But don't discount it. A lot of the drama of "Reign" is based on actual events--or at least takes inspiration from them. Of greater importance--so far as I'm concerned--is how "Reign" is turning folks onto the intrigue of history. When the question, "Did that really happen?" leads someone to a search for more information, history as an academic discipline enjoys new life and new interest. This blog, then, will be a combination of talk about "Reign" and discussions about actual historical events--which in many cases far outpace "Reign" for sheer narrative fascination.

Friday, October 10, 2014

Relevant Timeline of the Royal Court of France

This simple timeline is designed to give a sense of the time involved in which the story of "Reign" occurs.  You will also be able to figure out relative ages and events in the lives of our protagonists.

1519 - Catherine de Medici and Henry, second son of Francis I, are born.
1533 - Henry and Catherine are married
1542 - Mary, Queen of Scots is born
1544 - Francis, first child of Henry and Catherine, is born
1547 - Francis I dies; Henry II and Catherine become King and Queen of France
1558 - Francis and Mary are married
1559 - Henry II dies; Francis II and Mary become King and Queen of France
1560 - Francis II dies
1561 - Mary returns to Scotland
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