Louis XII of France

Quick Facts: Who was Louis XII of France?

Subject:

Louis XII of France

Known for:

King of France (1498–1515) and claimant to the Kingdom of Naples, Louis XII was a pivotal figure in French Renaissance history.

Born:

1462-06-27

Died:

1515-01-01

Century / Era:

1462s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Louis XII (27 June 1462 – 1 January 1515), also known as Louis of Orléans, was King of France from 1498 to 1515 and King of Naples (as Louis III) from 1501 to 1504. The son of Charles I, Duke of Orléans, and Marie of Cleves, he succeeded his second cousin once removed and brother-in-law, Charles VIII, who died childless in 1498. Louis was the second cousin of King Louis XI, who compelled him to marry the latter's disabled and supposedly sterile daughter Joan.

Career & Major Achievements

By doing so, Louis XI hoped to extinguish the Orléans cadet branch of the House of Valois. When Louis XII became king in 1498, he had his marriage with Joan annulled by Pope Alexander VI and instead married Anne, Duchess of Brittany, the widow of Charles VIII. This marriage allowed Louis to reinforce the personal Union of Brittany and France.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Louis of Orléans was one of the great feudal lords who opposed the French monarchy in the conflict known as the Mad War. At the royal victory in the Battle of Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier in 1488, Louis was captured, but Charles VIII pardoned him and released him. He subsequently took part in the Italian Wars, initiating a second Italian campaign for the control of the Kingdom of Naples.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1462 (1462-06-27): Birth of Louis XII of France — King of France (1498–1515) and claimant to the Kingdom of Naples, Louis XII was a pivotal figure in French Renaissance history.
2. 1488: 1488 Milestone — At the royal victory in the Battle of Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier in 1488, Louis was captured, but Charles VIII pardoned him and released him.
3. 1498: 1498 Milestone — The son of Charles I, Duke of Orléans, and Marie of Cleves, he succeeded his second cousin once removed and brother-in-law, Charles VIII, who died childless in 1498.
4. 1515 (1515-01-01): Passing & Historical Legacy — Louis XII of France passed away on 1515-01-01, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Louis XII of France

“The matter of the succession is always the most delicate.” (1500)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Louis XII of France

True or False: “True or false: Louis XII's marriage to Anne of Brittany was primarily intended by the French monarchy to extinguish the Orléans cadet branch of the House of Valois.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The attempt to extinguish the Orléans branch was associated with King Louis XI's machinations against Louis XII, not the purpose of his marriage to Anne of Brittany.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Louis XII — Contemporary (Born in 1462) (1462): King of France (1498–1515) and King of Naples, known for his military endeavors.
• Vasily II of Moscow — Contemporary (Died in 1462) (1462): Grand Prince of Moscow, known for his struggles for power and eventual consolidation of Muscovite authority.
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• Afonso de Albuquerque — Contemporary (Died in 1515) (1515): Portuguese general and conquistador who built the Asian Portuguese Empire.
• Aldus Manutius — Contemporary (Died in 1515) (1515): Pioneering printer and humanist who founded the Aldine Press and popularized the portable book.
• Alonso de Ojeda — Contemporary (Died in 1515) (1515): Spanish explorer, governor, and conquistador renowned for naming Venezuela.
• A. J. Ayer — Shared historical date (06-27 · Died) (1989): Influential English philosopher known for logical positivism and emotivism.
• Ahn So-hee — Shared historical date (06-27 · Born) (1992): South Korean actress known for Wonder Girls and Train to Busan.
• Abdul Basit 'Abd us-Samad — Shared historical date (01-01 · Born) (1927): Renowned Egyptian Quran reciter, celebrated for his melodious and emotionally engaging style.
• Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah — Shared historical date (01-01 · Born) (1895): Founder of modern Kuwait, he oversaw its transition to an independent state.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Louis XII of France