The Dukes of Guise were a prominent noble family in France during the 16th and 17th centuries. They played a significant role in the French Wars of Religion, which were conflicts between Catholics and Protestants. The family was known for its strong Catholic stance and political influence, particularly under Henry I, Duke of Guise, who became a key figure in the Catholic League. The Guise family was originally from the Duchy of Lorraine and gained power through strategic marriages and military successes. Their rivalry with the Bourbon family, who were Protestant, intensified the religious conflicts in France. The family's influence waned after the assassination of Henry I in 1588, leading to a decline in their political power.