It was a political dynasty that produced queens and popes, strengthening its influence and wealth in Europe over the course of more than 300 years – sometimes using bloody or ruthless methods. The Italian Medici family was an extended banking family that also contributed to birth of the Renaissance.

April 13, 2019, marks the 500th birthday of Catherine de’ Medici. Her role in European history is heavily debated. Some see her as the instigator of the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre, in which thousands of Huguenots were murdered, while others believe that she promoted the reconciliation between Catholics and Protestants.