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Charles VIII (1470 – 1498), also known as Charles the Affable, was King of France from 1483 to his death, and briefly King of Naples in 1495.

Biography[]

Reign in France[]

In 1492, Charles offered to fund an expedition headed by Christoffa Corombo, but the Italian Assassin Ezio Auditore convinced Corombo to work for Isabella I of Castile, knowing that Charles would not be able to support the expedition.[1] During Charles' reign, his court held the presence of the knight Jean Delacroix, who later was expelled after speaking out of turn.[2]

Invading Italy[]

In order to secure Naples for France, Charles invaded Italy in 1494. His forces marched across the peninsula with little opposition, subduing Florence and forcing its leader Piero de' Medici to flee. As a result, the city came under the control of the insane Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola.[3] Charles moved on to Naples, taking it with ease. He was then crowned King of Naples. In the city, Charles' Swiss mercenaries used the Villa Auditore as a billet.[4]

The swift French advance caused Pope Alexander VI to form the Holy League with the Holy Roman Empire, Aragon, the Duchy of Milan and the Republic of Venice. The League expelled Charles from Italy, although France would maintain a presence on the peninsula for decades.[5] A force comprising of most the Venetian Navy occupied most of their time pushing him out of Italy.[6]

Legacy[]

Following his death, Charles was succeeded by his second cousin once-removed, Louis XII.[7]

Appearances[]

References[]

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