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Learn about the life and reign of Charles VIII, the king of France from 1483 to 1498. He married Anne of Brittany, conquered Naples, and died in a mysterious accident.
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Aug 29, 2024 · Charles VIII (born June 30, 1470, Amboise, Fr.—died April 7, 1498, Amboise) was the king of France from 1483, known for beginning the French expeditions into Italy that lasted until the middle of the next century.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Nov 27, 2023 · Learn about the life and reign of Charles VIII, the ugly and ambitious king of France who married Anne of Brittany and fought against the Holy Roman Empire. Discover his deformities, his conquests, and his legacy in this article.
- King of France
- The Italian War
- Final Years
- Conclusion
- Sources
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On August 30, 1483, Louis XI died from cerebral arteriosclerosis. Shortly before his passing, the king met with Charles one final time. Knowing that his son was too young to rule independently, Louis appointed the prince’s elder sister, Anne, as Charles’ regent. Anne had inherited her father’s cunning mind and political aptitude. Recognizing these ...
With Brittany brought under French control, Charles VIII turned his attention towards Italy. In 1492, a Spanish cardinal named Rodrigo Borgia became pope. As Alexander VI, the ambitious pope wanted to carve up central Italy to create a kingdom for his son, Cesare. In turn, Milan would have been the most affected. Fearing for his duchy’s independenc...
Although Charles VIII had achieved his goal in Italy, his success proved short-lived. In July 1495, Spanish troops overwhelmed the remaining French garrisons in Naples. As a result, the French lost everything that they had gained the previous year. Charles spent the next three years attempting to launch another campaign but couldn’t due to his firs...
Charles VIII of France was an idealistic, yet foolish ruler. His reckless ambition left France with large debts, depleted resources, and internal issues. The king’s military campaign ultimately accomplished little in Italy. Instead, it helped unify France’s enemies into an anti-French alliance. Despite his failure, French interest in Italy continue...
Bradbury, J. (2010). The Capetians: Kings of France, 987-1328. London: Hambledon Continuum. Hibbert, C. (1974). The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall. New York, NY, NY: Morrow Quill Paperbacks. Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (n.d.). Charles VIII. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved August 28, 2021, from https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-V...
Learn about the life and reign of Charles VIII, the son and heir of Louis XI. Find out how he conquered Brittany, invaded Italy, and died in a mysterious accident.
Learn how the French king Charles VIII (1470-1498) died in 1498 after hitting his head on a door frame while watching a tennis game. Find out more about his life, reign and legacy from Alpha History.
Mar 17, 2015 · Learn about the life and reign of Charles VIII, who became king of France at 12 and invaded Italy in 1494. Find out how he faced the nobility, the Duchy of Brittany, and the Holy League of Venice.
May 8, 2018 · Learn about the life and reign of Charles VIII, the last king of France in the direct line of the Valois dynasty. Find out how he invaded Italy, married Anne of Brittany, and died in a mysterious accident.
