1680
Today, the self-governing province of Navarre, located in northern of Spain, borders France in a region called Basque Country. The area as it looked in the 17th century is illustrated in this map. During Shakespeare's time, Navarre was divided into Spanish lands and French lands, but remained an important place as it was the bridge between these two countries. Henry IV was king of Navarre from 1572-89, and king of France from 1589-1610. The monarch was well regarded in matters of war, but carried a notorious reputation as a womanizer – the exact opposite to Shakespeare's character of Ferdinand, King of Navarre, who actively tried to deny Cupid's will.
#cj82kk77n