Henry II of France was a monarch who ruled France from 1547 to 1559. During his reign, he hugely suppressed the Protestant movement. He was born in the royal Chateau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris. His father was King Francis I, who was captured a few years after his birth. Therefore, as a child, Henry and his brother had to spend over four years in captivity in Spain, as hostages for their father. He was crowned the King of France in July 1547, succeeding his father. His reign is infamous for the wars against Austria, as well as the persecution of Protestants, mostly Calvinists, known as Huguenots. They were severely punished, with some being burnt at the stake and some having their tongues cut off for ‘uttering heresies’. The Edict of Chateaubriant, which was issued by him, laid the ground for the persecution of Protestants. He also undertook some administrative reforms such as making the different sections of the king’s council specialized. He passed away unexpectedly in 1559, after reigning for around twelve years. He was injured during a jousting tournament and died after his surgeon was unable to cure his infected wound. He was succeeded by his son Frances II.