Louis XII

Jean Bourdichon (French - Louis XII of France Kneeling in Prayer - Google Art Project

Louis XII 1514

Bronze cannon of Louis XII with emblem 172mm 305cm 1870kg Algiers recovered in 1830

Voyage Gênes Marot Louis XII 2

Louis - Litterae super abrogatione pragmatice sanctionis in quarta sessione sacro sancti Lateranensis concilii publice lecte et recitate, 1512 - 4592398

Chateau de Blois 02

Louis XII (27 June 1462 – 1 January 1515) was King of France from 1498 until his death in 1515. He was the son of Charles, Duke of Orléans, and Marie of Cleves, and was a member of the House of Valois-Orléans, a branch of the House of Valois. Before ascending the throne, he was known as Louis of Orléans. His reign was marked by conflicts including the ongoing Italian Wars, but he was also known for his efforts to bring about reforms and improve the lives of his subjects.

Early Life

Louis was born in the Château de Blois, France. He spent much of his youth in the care of his father, who was a prisoner of the English following the Battle of Agincourt. After his father's death in 1465, Louis inherited the title of Duke of Orléans. He was involved in the Mad War, a conflict against Louis XI of France, which ended with the Treaty of Étaples.

Ascension to the Throne

Louis XII ascended to the throne following the death of his cousin, Charles VIII of France, who died without a male heir. His claim to the throne was through his grandmother, Valentina Visconti, which also gave him a claim to the Duchy of Milan in Italy. His accession marked the beginning of the Valois-Orléans branch of the French monarchy.

Italian Wars

One of Louis XII's primary objectives as king was to assert his claim over the Duchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Naples, leading to his involvement in the Italian Wars. These wars were a series of conflicts fought between various European powers for control of territories in Italy. Louis initially achieved success in Italy, capturing Milan in 1499 and later participating in the League of Cambrai against Venice.

Domestic Policies

Domestically, Louis XII is remembered for his reforms in the French legal system. He issued the Ordonnance of Blois in 1499 and the Ordonnance of Lyon in 1510, which aimed to centralize and streamline the administration of justice. He also worked to reduce the influence of the nobility and improve the welfare of his subjects, earning him the title "Father of the People" (Père du Peuple).

Marriages and Issue

Louis XII was married three times. His first marriage, to Joan of France, was annulled, allowing him to marry Anne of Brittany, the widow of his predecessor, which ensured the retention of Brittany within the kingdom of France. After Anne's death, he married Mary Tudor, sister of Henry VIII of England, in an effort to secure an alliance with England. However, he died less than three months after the wedding, leaving no surviving male heir. His only surviving child, Claude of France, would go on to marry Francis I of France, further uniting the French royal houses.

Death and Legacy

Louis XII died on 1 January 1515, and was succeeded by his cousin and son-in-law, Francis I. His reign is often overshadowed by the more flamboyant reigns of his predecessors and successors, but his efforts to reform France's legal system and administration had a lasting impact on the French state.