Queen Elizabeth I is first commemorated as one of the longest reigning monarchs in English history. During this era, christened the Elizabethan or Golden Age, Elizabeth established and maintained a season of peace throughout her country, where unity, culture, and the fine arts were promoted. Born in 1533, Elizabeth inherited the throne at a young age of twenty-five from her half-sister, Mary Tudor. The first part of her rule exists marked by political and religious upheaval. There remained a bitter, internal struggle between the members of the catholic and protestant branches of Christianity as well as conflicts with other European powers. Once these disputes had been resolved, Elizabeth devoted much her time to influence and promote the arts.