Henri II of France was a king who ruled from 1547 until his death in 1559. He was born on March 31, 1519, and was the son of Francis I of France. Henri II's reign is noted for its involvement in the Italian Wars and for the strengthening of the French monarchy. During his rule, Henri II supported the arts and was a patron of the Renaissance. He married Catherine de' Medici, and they had ten children, including future kings Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III. His reign ended tragically when he died from injuries sustained in a jousting tournament.