In the Renaissance, the son of Francis I shakes up the foundations of Europe. Henry II, the King of France, claims the Scottish crown by marrying queen Mary Stuart to his son, the future Francis II.

While celebrating an alliance treaty, Henry II dies during a jousting tournament. In Spain, Philip II has allied himself with the French by marriage, but his own country is ravaged by uprisings.

In France, the kingdom is plunged into chaos. Though new king Charles IX reigns, Catherine de Medici rules in the background as master of the throne. However, she is unable to prevent a civil war.

In Paris, Catherine de Medici weds her Catholic daughter, Margaret of Valois, to the young Protestant heir of the Bourbon dynasty, Henry of Navarre - the future Henry IV.

Mary, Queen of Scots is forced to abdicate and flee to England, where Queen Elizabeth has her imprisoned. In Flanders, William I requests military assistance from France to fight Philip II of Spain.

Henry III still has no heir. Elizabeth orders the death of her rival. Spain declares war on England. King Philip II sends the Armada to invade the English coast. Whoever wins will reign over Europe.