In the news1596–1602
Bubonic plague decimated the population
A devastating bubonic plague outbreak killed approximately 500,000 to 700,000 people across the Iberian Peninsula.
Fontainebleau, 22 Nov 1602 – Madrid, 6 Oct 1644
11 facts3 sources
22 Nov 1602
Born in Fontainebleau
1621–1638
7 children are born
1621–1640
Queen Consort of Portugal
1621–1644
Queen Consort of Spain
6 Oct 1644
Dies in Madrid, aged 41
She lived through 5 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like around Fontainebleau.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
In the news1596–1602
A devastating bubonic plague outbreak killed approximately 500,000 to 700,000 people across the Iberian Peninsula.
Getting around
River travel was economical but slow
Traveling by river was a common and economical method, though it could be slow; a journey from Paris to Rouen by water could take three or four days downstream, but returning upstream took about four days.
In the news1601
In 1601, the Crown of Castile introduced a major new tax called the Millones, which imposed an excise duty on wine and oil to fund military and governmental needs.
Daily life
Crowded living in shared urban spaces
In 17th-century Paris, ordinary people often lived in crowded, narrow buildings where a single room served as a kitchen, sleeping area, and living space. Privacy was minimal, as rooms were frequently shared by entire families, lodgers, or apprentices.
What people wore
Daily attire of ordinary women
Ordinary women often wore corsets over a shirt, with a skirt and an apron for daily chores, while their clothing was predominantly colored in black, grey, and red.
Music
Court ballet performances
The courtly ballet was a spectacular performance featuring masked dancers in elaborate costumes, accompanied by a mix of airs and instrumental music.
At the table
Bread as the foundation of daily meals
Bread was the central element of the daily diet, often served as "soup" by soaking hard, stale slices in water, broth, or vegetable mixtures.