Location of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, where Catherine de' Medici is alleged to have played a significant role.

Catherine de' Medici, Queen of France, alleged instigator of the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre.

A portrait of Catherine de' Medici, often depicted in dark, luxurious clothing as a symbol of her power and influence.

A painting depicting Catherine de' Medici with her three sons, all of whom became Kings of France.

A historical painting illustrating the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre, an event often associated with Catherine de' Medici.

Catherine de' Medici, though not officially convicted or charged, is often implicated in a series of political machinations and alleged crimes during her reign as Queen of France. She is notably associated with the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in 1572, where thousands of Huguenots (French Protestants) were slaughtered by Catholic mobs. While her role in the massacre is still debated among historians, she is often portrayed as a perpetrator or instigator.