Charles VIII of France
Charles VIII launched the Italian Wars in 1494 by invading Italy to press his claim to the Kingdom of Naples, inaugurating six decades of French military campaigns on the Italian peninsula. His rapid march to Naples and equally rapid retreat before a coalition of Italian states, Spain, and the Holy Roman Empire demonstrated both French military power and diplomatic isolation. He died at 27 after striking his head on a door lintel at Amboise.
- Lived: 1470 CE – 1498 CE
- Nationality: french
- Roles: king, head_of_state
