King Henry III of France was born on September 19, 1551, and ruled from 1574 until his assassination in 1589. He was the last monarch of the Valois dynasty and faced significant challenges during his reign, including the French Wars of Religion, which pitted Catholics against Huguenots (Protestants). His reign was marked by political instability and conflict. Henry III was known for his attempts to unify France and strengthen the monarchy. He was a patron of the arts and culture, contributing to the development of the French Renaissance. Despite his efforts, he struggled to maintain control and was ultimately killed by a Catholic fanatic, leading to the end of the Valois line.