Charles VIII of France

MedievalEmperorFrance1470 — 1498

Started the Italian Wars, died hitting his head on a door.

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Quick Facts

Born

1470

Died

1498

Country

France

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)40

Political (20%)31

Influence (20%)55

Legacy (20%)49

Leadership (15%)45

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score45.9

Charles VIII of France — Complete Timeline

1494 AD

Invasion of ItalyWar

Charles VIII led a French army into Italy to claim the Kingdom of Naples, beginning the Italian Wars. He marched through Italy unopposed, entered Florence and Rome, and conquered Naples in 1495, but was forced to retreat by the League of Venice.

Italian WarsInvasionCapetian

Impact: global

1495 AD

Battle of FornovoWar◆ Major

Charles VIII's French army fought the League of Venice at Fornovo. Though technically a French victory as they broke through the enemy lines, Charles VIII lost his baggage train and was forced to withdraw from Italy, ending his Neapolitan adventure.

Italian WarsBattleCapetian

Impact: regional

1498 AD

Death by AccidentOther◆ Major

Charles VIII died after striking his head on a low door lintel while walking to watch a tennis match at the Ch

Accidental DeathSuccessionCapetian

Impact: nationaltragic