Louis XII of France Biography

Louis XII of France was the king of France who ruled from 1498 to 1515. He also served as the king of Naples from 1501 to 1504. Before becoming the king, he was known as Louis of Orléans. He battled against the French army at the Mad War as a young man and was later captured by Charles VIII who incorporated him in his army. Louis eventually succeeded Charles VIII who left no closer heir after his death in 1498. The son of Charles, Duke of Orléans and his third wife Marie of Cleves, Louis grew up in Château de Blois. He earned the title of duke after his father’s death in 1465. In 1476, Louis was forced to marry Joan, the supposedly sterile daughter of his second cousin King Louis XI. Later, their marriage was annulled so that he could marry Charles’ widow, Anne of Brittany. With Anne, Louis produced many children. He also fathered an illegitimate son. He became known as ‘Father of the People’ for maintaining civil peace within France during his reign. Louis XII of France died in 1515 without leaving a legal male heir and was succeeded by his cousin and son-in-law Francis.