1483-1498 Charles Viii

CHARLES VIII, 1483-1498, was a feeble insignifi cant-appearing successor to Louis XI (1461-1485), that cold cunning Renaissance ruler who had suc ceeded his father Charles VII and done so much to repair the ravages of the Hundred Years' War. For a time Charles VIII followed the advice of his elderViii followed the advice of his elder sister, Anne of Beaujeu, of whom her cynical father had once said : " There is no such thing as a wise woman, but Anne is the least foolish woman in the world !" Charles VIII, however, was an impracticalViii, however, was an impractical dreamer, who planned first the con quest of Italy and then a mighty expedition against the Turks at Constantinople. His claim in Italy was to the throne of Naples, and was an old one inherited from the house of Anjou. At first success attended his expedition into Italy in 1494. The people of Florence drove out their rulers, the Medici, and welcomed Charles to their city.

He entered the holy city of Rome, and even Naples speedily fell into his hands. But he and his troops were demoralized by the luxury of the South, and when his enemies in Italy formed a combination against him, he was glad to escape from the country he had hoped to conquer.

Spain speedily appeared as the chief opponent to the French claims in Italy, and the wars dragged on for over 50 years. France gained no new territory, but Charles and his successors brought back a taste for the art and learning of Italy and the Renaissance passed to the north of the Alps.

Charles died from striking his head against a low doorway, while riding in pursuit of a girl who had taken his fancy.