Simplified timeline of the life of Sully:

• 1559: Maximilien de Béthune was born in the castle of Rosny-sur-Seine (now in Yvelines)
• 1572: On the occasion of Henry of Navarre’s marriage, the future Henry IV, Maximilien de Béthune was introduced to him; this was shortly before the Saint Bartholomew’s Day Massacre (24 August 1572)
• 1598: He was given the key position of Superintendent of finances
• 1599: He became Grand Voyer or Master of the Roads, Superintendent of Fortifications and then Grand Master of the Artillery
• 1602: Maximilien de Béthune purchased the castle of Sully-sur-Loire from Claude de La Trémoïlle
• 1606: Maximilien de Béthune received the title of Duke of Sully and Peer of France. He was appointed Superintendent of Buildings
• 1611: Six months after the assassination of Henry IV (14 May 1610), the Duke of Sully progressively resigned from all his offices
• 1638: Oeconomies Royales, the Duke of Sully’s memoirs, were printed at the castle of Sully-sur-Loire
• 1641: The Duke of Sully passed away at castle of Villebon (Eure-et-Loir) at the age of 82.