2K and Firaxis Games have revealed that Catherine de’ Medici will lead France in Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, the next chapter in the iconic strategy game which launches October 21st for Windows PC.
Born an Italian noblewoman, Catherine de’ Medici was wed to King Henry II of France and served as Queen from 1547 until her husband’s death in 1559.
Her influence would extend beyond this brief period as Queen, however, as she went on to bear three sons who would each become King of France during her lifetime.
Her offspring each ruled France during a period of continuous civil and religious war.
Despite the constant threat of complex and seemingly insurmountable conflict, Catherine kept the French monarchy intact as she championed both policies of compromise with the rebellious Protestant class and later more hardline stances against them.
She was one of the most powerful women in Europe during her lifetime and was known to be a ruthless individual whose efforts inarguably kept the French monarchy in power during one of France’s most tumultuous periods.