# Marriage of Henry IV and Marie de’ Medici (1600)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1600-marriage-of-henry-iv-and-marie-de-medici
Location: Lyon

The Bourbon king secured a new dynastic marriage after annulment of his earlier union. Within the broader Bourbon & Ancien Régime period, Bourbon France became a leading European power through stronger royal government, global expansion, war and court culture. Fiscal strain, social privilege and Enlightenment criticism accumulated beneath the apparent strength of the Ancien Régime. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Henry IV (King of France). Marriage of Henry IV and Marie de’ Medici mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Marriage of Henry IV and Marie de’ Medici mattered because succession and legitimacy shaped alliances, institutions and the direction of state policy.

Ruler at the time: [Henry IV](https://history-france.com/rulers/henry-iv)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Marriage of Henry IV and Marie de’ Medici](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Marriage+of+Henry+IV+and+Marie+de%E2%80%99+Medici&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Marriage of Henry IV and Marie de’ Medici](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Marriage+of+Henry+IV+and+Marie+de%E2%80%99+Medici)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)