King Henry II of France was born on March 31, 1519, and ruled from 1547 until his death in 1559. He was a member of the Valois dynasty and the son of Francis I of France. His reign was marked by military conflicts, particularly with Spain and England, as well as internal strife related to the French Wars of Religion. Henry II was known for his efforts to strengthen the monarchy and centralize power. He married Catherine de' Medici, and they had ten children, including future kings Francis II, Charles IX, and Henry III. His reign ended abruptly when he died from injuries sustained in a jousting tournament.