Charles VIII the Affable
King of France, Duke of Brittany, Count of Provence (more...)
Reign	30 August 1483 – 7 April 1498
Coronation	30 May 1484, Reims
Titles	Dauphin of Viennois: As Dauphin of France (30 June 1470 – 30 August 1483); As King of France (30 August 1483–11 October 1492, 16 December 1495–8 September 1496, 2 October 1496–July 1497, July 1497–7 April 1498); Jure uxoris Duke of Brittany (1491 – 1498) King of Naples
Born	30 June 1470(1470-06-30)
	Château d'Amboise, France
Died	7 April 1498 (aged 27)
	Château d'Amboise, France
Predecessor	Louis XI
Successor	Louis XII
Consort	Anne of Brittany (1477 – 1514)
Royal House	Valois Dynasty
Father	Louis XI (1423 – 1483)
Mother	Charlotte of Savoy (1443 – 1483)

Charles VIII, called the Affable (French: l'Affable; 30 June 1470 – 7 April 1498), was King of France from 1483 to his death. Charles was a member of the House of Valois. His invasion of Italy initiated the long series of Franco-Italian wars which characterized the first half of the 16th century. This article does not cite its references or sources. ... Image File history File links Charles_VIII_de_france. ... is the 242nd day of the year (243rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events The São Tomé settlement is founded. ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... 1498 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 150th day of the year (151st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1484 was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar). ... Reims (alternative English spelling Rheims; pronounced in French) is a city of the Champagne-Ardenne région of northern France, standing 144 km (89 miles) east-northeast of Paris. ... Coat of Arms of the Dauphins of Viennois. ... Coat of Arms of the Dauphins of France. ... is the 181st day of the year (182nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events May 15 - Charles VIII of Sweden who had served three terms as King of Sweden dies. ... is the 242nd day of the year (243rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events The São Tomé settlement is founded. ... is the 242nd day of the year (243rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events The São Tomé settlement is founded. ... is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also film, 1492: Conquest of Paradise. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1495 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1496 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1496 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1497 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1497 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... 1498 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Jure uxoris, Latin: By right of his wife. ... Coat of arms of the Dukes of Brittany from 1312; described by one of the few known one-word blazons in existence, simply Ermine. ... // Events December 6 - King Charles VIII marries Anne de Bretagne, thus incorporating Brittany into the kingdom of France. ... 1498 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The following is a list of monarchs of Naples and Sicily: See also: List of Counts of Apulia and Calabria Hauteville Counts of Sicily, 1071-1130 Roger I 1071-1101 Simon 1101-1105 Roger II 1105-1130 Hauteville Kings of Sicily, 1130-1198 Roger II 1130-1154 William I 1154... is the 181st day of the year (182nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events May 15 - Charles VIII of Sweden who had served three terms as King of Sweden dies. ... it doesnt exist ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... 1498 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... it doesnt exist ... Louis XI (July 3, 1423 – August 30, 1483), called the Prudent (French: ) and the Universal Spider (Old French: luniverselle aragne) or the Spider King, was the King of France from 1461−83. ... Louis XII (b. ... Portrait of Anne of Brittany by Jean Bourdichon. ... Events January 5 - Battle of Nancy - Charles the Bold of Burgundy is again defeated, and this time is killed. ... 1514 was a common year starting on Thursday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Main articles: France in the Middle Ages and Early Modern France The Valois Dynasty succeeded the Capetian Dynasty as rulers of France from 1328-1589. ... Louis XI (July 3, 1423 – August 30, 1483), called the Prudent (French: ) and the Universal Spider (Old French: luniverselle aragne) or the Spider King, was the King of France from 1461−83. ... Events July 31 - Hundred Years War: Battle of Cravant - The French army is defeated at Cravant on the banks of the river Yonne. ... Events The São Tomé settlement is founded. ... Charlotte de Savoie (1445-1483), daughter of Louis, duke of Savoy (also known as Louis I), and Anne of Chypre-Lusignan, married dauphin Louis de France (future Louis XI), on November 14, 1451, who, in spite of her virtues, neglected her (for example, upon his succession to the throne of... Events Albanians, under Skanderbeg, defeat the Turks John Hunyadi defeats Turks at the Battle of Nis Vlad II Dracul begins his second term as ruler of Wallachia, succeeding Basarab II. Births January 27 - Albert, Duke of Saxony (died 1500) February 23 - Matthias Corvinus of Hungary (died 1490) May 17 - Edmund... Events The São Tomé settlement is founded. ... is the 181st day of the year (182nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events May 15 - Charles VIII of Sweden who had served three terms as King of Sweden dies. ... April 7 is the 97th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (98th in leap years). ... 1498 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... It has been suggested that Regents: France and French States be merged into this article or section. ... Events The São Tomé settlement is founded. ... The Valois Dynasty succeeded the Capetian Dynasty as rulers of France from 1328-1589. ... Combatants France, the Holy Roman Empire, the states of Italy (notably the Republic of Venice, the Duchy of Milan, the Kingdom of Naples, the Papal States, Florence, and the Duchy of Ferrara), England, Scotland, Spain, the Ottoman Empire, the Swiss, Saxony, and others The Italian Wars, often referred to as...

[edit] Childhood and youth

Charles was born at the Château d'Amboise in France, the only surviving son of King Louis XI by his second wife Charlotte of Savoy. Charles succeeded to the throne on August 30, 1483, at age 13. His health was poor and he was regarded by his contemporaries as of pleasant disposition but foolish and unsuited for the business of the state. In accordance with Louis XI's wishes, the regency of the Kingdom was granted to Charles' elder sister, Anne, a formidably intelligent and shrewd woman described by her father as "the least insane woman in France." She would rule as regent, together with her husband Peter II, Duke of Bourbon, until 1491. it doesnt exist ... Louis XI (July 3, 1423 – August 30, 1483), called the Prudent (French: ) and the Universal Spider (Old French: luniverselle aragne) or the Spider King, was the King of France from 1461−83. ... Charlotte de Savoie (1445-1483), daughter of Louis, duke of Savoy (also known as Louis I), and Anne of Chypre-Lusignan, married dauphin Louis de France (future Louis XI), on November 14, 1451, who, in spite of her virtues, neglected her (for example, upon his succession to the throne of... is the 242nd day of the year (243rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Events The São Tomé settlement is founded. ... Anne de Beaujeu Anne of France (or Anne of Beaujeu) (Genappe, April 1461 – 14 November 1522, Chantelle), was the daughter of Louis XI, King of France and his second queen consort, Charlotte of Savoy. ... Peter II of Bourbon (1438 – 1503) was Duke of Bourbon and Auvergne from 1488 to his death, following his elder brothers John II and Charles II, Archbishop of Lyon. ...

[edit] Marriages

Charles was betrothed in 1482 to Margaret of Austria, the daughter of Emperor Maximilian I and Mary, Duchess of Burgundy; the marriage had been arranged by Louis XI, Maximilian, and the Estates of the Low Countries, as part of the Peace of Arras between France and Burgundy. Margaret brought the Counties of Artois and Burgundy to France as her dowry, and she was raised in the French court as prospective Queen consort. Events Portuguese fortify Fort Elmina on the Gold Coast Tizoc rules the Aztecs Diogo Cão, a Portuguese navigator, becomes the first European to sail up the Congo. ... Portrait of Margaret of Austria, dressed as a widow, by Bernard van Orley The Archduchess Margaret (Margaretha) of Austria (10 January 1480 – 1 December 1530) was a Habsburg princess, the daughter of Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor and Mary of Burgundy. ... Maximilian I of Habsburg (March 22, 1459 – January 12, 1519) was Holy Roman Emperor from 1508 until his death. ... Mary of Burgundy. ... The following is a list of the Dukes of Burgundy Richard of Autun, the Justicier (880–921) Rudolph of Burgundy (king of France from 923) (921–923) Hugh the Black (923–952) Gilbert of Chalon (952–956) Odo of Paris (956-965) Otto-Henry the Great (965–1002) Otto-William...

In 1488, however, Francis II, Duke of Brittany died in a riding accident, leaving his 11-year old daughter Anne as his heiress. Anne, who feared for her Duchy's independence against the ambitions of France, arranged a marriage between herself and Maximilian, who had already married Mary of Burgundy in much the same circumstances in 1477. The Beaujeus refused to countenance such a marriage, however, since it would place Maximilian and his family, the Habsburgs, on two French borders; Brittany was invaded by the French army, Maximilian was unable to help, and Anne of Brittany was forced to renounce Maximilian (whom she had only married by proxy), and agree to be married to Charles VIII instead. Coat of Arms of the Dukes of Brittany, and of the region Brittany Francis II (in breton Frañsez II, in french François II) (June 23, 1433 – September 9, 1488), was duke of Brittany, from 1458 to his death. ... Portrait of Anne of Brittany by Jean Bourdichon. ...

On December 6, 1491, in an elaborate ceremony at the Château de Langeais, Charles and Anne of Brittany were married. The 14-year-old Duchess Anne, not happy with the arranged marriage, arrived for her wedding with her entourage carrying two beds. However, Charles's marriage brought him independence from his relatives, and thereafter he managed affairs according to his own inclinations. Queen Anne lived at the Clos Lucé in Amboise. is the 340th day of the year (341st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... // Events December 6 - King Charles VIII marries Anne de Bretagne, thus incorporating Brittany into the kingdom of France. ... Main entry. ... Marriage à-la-mode by William Hogarth: a satire on arranged marriages and prediction of ensuing disaster The purpose of an arranged marriage is to form a new family unit by marriage while respecting the chastity of all people involved. ... The mansion Clos Lucé and garden Clos Lucé is a mansion in Amboise, France, located 500 meters from the Royal Château dAmboise, to which it is connected by an underground passageway. ...

There still remained the matter of Charles' first intended, the young Margaret of Austria. Although the cancellation of her betrothal meant that she by rights should have been returned to her family, Charles did not initially do so, intending to marry her usefully elsewhere in France. It was an abominable situation for Margaret, who informed her father in her letters that she was so determined to escape her situation that she would even flee Paris in her nightgown if it gave her freedom. Eventually, in 1493, she was returned to her family, together with her dowry.

[edit] The Italian War

In 1489, Pope Innocent VIII, then being at odds with Ferdinand I of Naples, offered Naples to Charles, who had a vague claim to the Kingdom of Naples through his paternal grandmother, Marie of Anjou. In 1494, Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, was threatened by Ferdinand's successor Alfonso II, and urged Charles to go take Naples. Charles was also urged on by his favorite courtier, Étienne de Vesc. Events March 14 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice. ... Pope Innocent VIII (1432 – July 25, 1492), born Giovanni Battista Cybo (or Cibo), was Pope from 1484 until his death. ... Ferdinand I (1423 - January 25, 1494), also called Don Ferrante, was the King of Naples from 1458 to 1494. ... Capital Naples Government Monarchy King  - 1285-1309 Charles II  - 1815-1816 Ferdinand I History  - Established 1285  - Union with Sicily 1816 The Kingdom of Naples was an informal name of the polity officially known as the Kingdom of Sicily which existed on the mainland of southern Italy after of the secession... Marie of Anjou, Queen of France Marie of Anjou (1404–1463) was the daughter of Louis II of Anjou, King of Naples, titular King of Sicily, and Yolande of Aragon, Queen of Aragon, herself daughter of John I of Aragon. ... 1494 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Ludovico Sforza in a portrait by Giovanni Ambrogio de Predis. ... This page lists rulers of Milan from the 13th century to the present. ... Alfonso II of Asturias -- (789-842) Alfonso II of Aragon -- (1152-1196) Alfonso II of Portugal -- (1185-1223) the Fat Alphonso II of Naples This is a disambiguation page — a list of pages that otherwise might share the same title. ... Étienne de Vesc (ca 1445 — 6 October 1501),[1] was a courtier of Louis XI of France and a formative influence on Charles VIII, whom he strongly encouraged in the French adventure into Italy in the First Italian War, 1494-95. ...

Thus encouraged, Charles imagined himself capable of actually taking Naples.

To secure France against other invasions, Charles made treaties with Austria and England, buying their neutrality with big concessions. He devoted France's resources to building up a large army, including one of Europe's first siege trains with artillery. For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... Replica battering ram at Château des Baux, France. ... For other uses, see Artillery (disambiguation). ...

Charles entered Italy in 1494 and marched across the peninsula, reaching Naples on February 22, 1495. The French army subdued Florence in passing and took Naples without a pitched battle or siege. Alfonso was expelled and Charles was crowned King of Naples. 1494 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1495 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... This article is about the city in Italy. ...

Charles VIII.

The speed and power of the French advance frightened the other Italian rulers, including the Pope and even Ludovico of Milan. They formed an anti-French coalition, the League of Venice. At Fornovo in July 1495, the League defeated Charles, despite losing 2,000 men to his 1,000. Charles lost nearly all the booty of the campaign and had to withdraw to France. His remaining garrisons in Naples were quickly subdued by Aragonese allies of Alfonso. Combatants France Papal States, Republic of Venice, Naples, Duchy of Milan, Holy Roman Empire Commanders Charles VIII Francesco II The First Italian War (1494–95), sometimes referred to as the Italian War of 1494 or Charles VIIIs Italian War, was the opening phase of the Italian Wars. ... The Battle of Fornovo took place in July 1495 during the Italian Wars. ... 1495 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Over the next few years, Charles tried to rebuild his army, and resume the campaign. But he was hampered by the large debts incurred in 1494-95. He never succeeded in gaining anything substantive.

[edit] Death

Charles died in 1498, two and a half years after his retreat from Italy, of an accident. He struck his head on the lintel of a door in Amboise. A few hours later, he fell into a sudden coma, and then died. 1498 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

[edit] Legacy

Philip VI Children    John II John II Children    Charles V    Louis I of Anjou    John, Duke of Berry    Philip the Bold Charles V Children    Charles VI    Louis, Duke of Orléans Charles VI Children    Isabella of Valois    Catherine of Valois    Charles VII Charles VII Children    Louis XI    Charles, Duke of Berry Louis XI Children    Charles VIII Charles VIII

Charles bequeathed a meager legacy: he left France in debt and in disarray as a result of an ambition most charitably characterized as unrealistic. On a more positive side, his expedition did strengthen cultural ties to Italy, energizing French art and letters in the latter part of the Renaissance. It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with House of Capet. ... The Valois Dynasty succeeded the Capetian Dynasty as rulers of France from 1328-1589. ... Image File history File links France_Ancient. ... Philip VI of France Philip VI of Valois (French: Philippe VI de Valois; 1293 – August 22, 1350) was the King of France from 1328 to his death, and Count of Anjou, Maine, and Valois 1325–1328. ... John II the Good (French: Jean II le Bon) (April 16, 1319 – April 8, 1364), was King of France 1350–1364, Duke of Normandy and Count of Anjou and Maine 1332–1350, Count of Poitiers 1344–1350, and Duke of Guienne 1345–1350. ... John II the Good (French: Jean II le Bon) (April 16, 1319 – April 8, 1364), was King of France 1350–1364, Duke of Normandy and Count of Anjou and Maine 1332–1350, Count of Poitiers 1344–1350, and Duke of Guienne 1345–1350. ... Charles V the Wise (French: Charles V le Sage) (January 21, 1338 – September 16, 1380) was king of France from 1364 to 1380 and a member of the Valois Dynasty. ... Louis I of Anjou (July 23, 1339, Château de Vincennes, – September 20, 1384, Biselia) was the second son of King John II of France and Bonne of Luxembourg. ... John of Valois, the Magnificent, (November 30, 1340 – March 15, 1416) was Duke of Berry and Auvergne and Count of Poitiers and Montpensier. ... See: Philip III of France (1245-1285, king of France 1270-1285) Philip II, Duke of Burgundy (1363-1404, regent of France 1380-1388) This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Charles V the Wise (French: Charles V le Sage) (January 21, 1338 – September 16, 1380) was king of France from 1364 to 1380 and a member of the Valois Dynasty. ... Charles VI Charles VI the Well-Beloved, later known as the Mad (French: Charles VI le Bien-Aimé, later known as le Fol) (December 3, 1368 – October 21, 1422) was a King of France (1380 – 1422) and a member of the Valois Dynasty. ... Louis de Valois (March 13, 1372 – November 23, 1407) was Duke of Orléans from 1392 to his death. ... Charles VI Charles VI the Well-Beloved, later known as the Mad (French: Charles VI le Bien-Aimé, later known as le Fol) (December 3, 1368 – October 21, 1422) was a King of France (1380 – 1422) and a member of the Valois Dynasty. ... Isabella of Valois (9 November 1389 – 13 September 1409) was a Princess of France, daughter of King Charles VI and Isabella of Bavaria-Ingolstadt. ... Catherine of Valois (27 October 1401 – 3 January 1437) was the Queen consort of England from 1420 until 1422. ... Charles VII the Victorious, a. ... Charles VII the Victorious, a. ... Louis XI (July 3, 1423 – August 30, 1483), called the Prudent (French: ) and the Universal Spider (Old French: luniverselle aragne) or the Spider King, was the King of France from 1461−83. ... For other people of the same name, see Charles, Duke of Berry. ... Louis XI (July 3, 1423 – August 30, 1483), called the Prudent (French: ) and the Universal Spider (Old French: luniverselle aragne) or the Spider King, was the King of France from 1461−83. ... This article is about the European Renaissance of the 14th-17th centuries. ...

Since all of his children died before him, Charles was the last of the elder branch of the House of Valois. Upon his death, the throne passed to his father's second cousin, the Duke of Orléans, who reigned as King Louis XII of France. Main articles: France in the Middle Ages and Early Modern France The Valois Dynasty succeeded the Capetian Dynasty as rulers of France from 1328-1589. ... Duke of Orléans is one of the most important titles in the French peerage, dating back at least to the 14th century. ... Louis XII (b. ...

[edit] Ancestors

Louis XI (July 3, 1423 – August 30, 1483), called the Prudent (French: ) and the Universal Spider (Old French: luniverselle aragne) or the Spider King, was the King of France from 1461−83. ... Charles VII the Victorious, a. ... Charles VI Charles VI the Well-Beloved, later known as the Mad (French: Charles VI le Bien-Aimé, later known as le Fol) (December 3, 1368 – October 21, 1422) was a King of France (1380 – 1422) and a member of the Valois Dynasty. ... Isabeau de Bavière (also Isabella of Bavaria-Ingolstadt; ca. ... Marie of Anjou, Queen of France Marie of Anjou (1404–1463) was the daughter of Louis II of Anjou, King of Naples, titular King of Sicily, and Yolande of Aragon, Queen of Aragon, herself daughter of John I of Aragon. ... The Angevin French prince, Louis II of Anjou (1377–1417) was the rival of Ladislas as King of Naples. ... Yolande of Aragon (also known as Jolantha de Aragon and Violant dAragó) was born in Barcelona in 1383, the daughter of John I of Aragon and his wife Yolande of Bar (who was a granddaughter of John II of France (and niece of Charles V of France and Louis... Charlotte de Savoie (1445-1483), daughter of Louis, duke of Savoy (also known as Louis I), and Anne of Chypre-Lusignan, married dauphin Louis de France (future Louis XI), on November 14, 1451, who, in spite of her virtues, neglected her (for example, upon his succession to the throne of... Louis (Ludovico or Lodovico in Italian, b. ... Antipope Felix V, the last historical Antipope. ... Mary of Burgundy. ... Janus of Cyprus (1375-1432) ruled Cyprus from 1398 to 1432. ...

[edit] Issue

The marriage with Anne resulted in the birth of four children:

• Charles-Orland, Dauphin of France (11 October 1492 - 16 December 1495).
• Charles, Dauphin of France (8 September–2 October 1496).
• François, Dauphin of France (July 1497).
• Princess Anne of France (1498).

Charles Orlando (Charles Orland), Dauphin of France Charles Orlando, Dauphin of France (French: Charles Orland, Dauphin de France) (11 October 1492–16 December 1495) was the eldest son and heir of Charles VIII of France and Anne of Brittany. ... Coat of Arms of the Dauphins of France. ... is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also film, 1492: Conquest of Paradise. ... is the 350th day of the year (351st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1495 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 251st day of the year (252nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1496 was a leap year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1497 was a common year starting on Friday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... 1498 was a common year starting on Saturday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

[edit] See also

• First Italian War

Combatants France Papal States, Republic of Venice, Naples, Duchy of Milan, Holy Roman Empire Commanders Charles VIII Francesco II The First Italian War (1494–95), sometimes referred to as the Italian War of 1494 or Charles VIIIs Italian War, was the opening phase of the Italian Wars. ...

[edit] References