Elizabeth I vs. Catherine de Medici: Great Rivalries in History

Elizabeth I vs. Catherine de Medici: Great Rivalries in History

Author: Lindsay Holiday February 24, 2026 Duration: 32:47
For most of history, men ruled the world. But for 3 decades in the late 1500s two powerful women dominated Europe. Catherine de Medici was Queen of France and Elizabeth I was Queen of England. Neither one was expected to be Queen. But both bid their time until they could seize power. They were brilliant, dynamic, determined, and sometimes ruthless leaders. But even with all they had in common, their differences made them fierce opponents. Catherine was a catholic, a wife and a mother, while Elizabeth was protestant and single by choice. Dozens of books and dramas have focused on the epic rivalry between Elizabeth and her northern neighbor, Mary Queen of Scots. And while she is an important part of the story, Elizabeth’s relationship with her greater nemesis, Catherine has long been forgotten. However, season 2 of the Starz series Serpent Queen, and the recent book Blood, Fire & Gold by Estelle Paranque have resurrected the historic frienemies. So let’s examine the parallel lives and epic rivalry between Elizabeth I and Catherine de Medici. Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell Music: Folk Round Kevin MacLeod #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠⁠⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠⁠⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every Tuesday, Lindsay Holiday pours a fresh cup and settles in to share the fascinating, often overlooked tales from our past. History Tea Time is built on the idea that history is best served with a generous helping of personality and a focus on the compelling narratives that textbooks tend to skip. Lindsay’s approach feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who has a real knack for digging up the juiciest details. While you’ll often find episodes delving into the lives of queens and royalty from across the globe, there’s a consistent spotlight on women’s history, bringing forward the stories of figures who shaped the world from behind the throne or beyond the traditional spotlight. Listening to this podcast feels like uncovering a secret side of the past, one where the human drama, ambitions, and scandals are given center stage. Each episode is a deep dive into a specific story, told with clarity and a genuine enthusiasm that makes even the most complex historical moments accessible and utterly engaging. If you’ve ever wanted the real, unvarnished, and truly interesting stories behind the names and dates, this is your weekly invitation to listen in.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

History Tea Time
Podcast Episodes
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Charles II, King of England, Scotland & Ireland from 1660 to 1685 is one of the most notorious lotharios in history. The swarthy sovereign started early and continued making love, sometimes multiple times a day, until th…
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Duration: 33:04
I have been enchanted by Disney since childhood. And as an adult, whenever I’m watching any movie or TV show, I can’t help but play “Where do I know that actor from?” Thank you, IMDB for making my adult life that little…
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Duration: 31:33
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Leeds Castle has been called the loveliest castle in England and it certainly lives up to the name. The elegant stone keep, towers, and crenelated battlements surrounded by a tranquil moat, beautiful gardens and lush par…