In 1562, Duke Francis of Guise came across a Huguenot congretation worshipping illegally in a barn. His decision to murder them would spark a decades long conflict, which tore France apart politically, economically and socially. This fascinating aspect of French history is often overlooked for the French Revolution of 1789, however, were it not for the French Wars of Religion; enlightenment thinking on challenging the status quo would not have emerged.
Depiction of the scenes in Paris during the massacre in 1572 Wikipedia
Arguably, the St Bartholomew's Day Massacre of 1572 in Paris (and then in other regional centres such as Rouen), was a watershed moment in European Western history. Although, sources are scarce, it is estimated that around 3,000 Huguenots were murdered across 3 weeks. Furthermore, the regicide of Henry III of France in 1589, clearly demonstrated the vulnerability of sacred kingship. All these events and more can be explored by exploring this site. The French Wars of Religion were undoubtedly, a moment in history, which changed France and Europe forever.