The Tree of Europe · Person

Charles VIII of France

«the Affable»

His expedition to conquer Naples opened the Italian Wars. The campaign demonstrated French military strength but also provoked a coalition against French expansion.

1470 – 1498KingValois · ES

Explore this family · Spanish Atlas Back to people

This complete profile is available in English. Bibliographic titles retain their original language. Links marked ES open the Spanish edition.

Historical profile

Key details

Birth: 30 June 1470 Documented

Death: 7 April 1498 Documented

Role: King

Dynasty: Valois · ES

Territories: France (ES) · Naples (ES)

Recorded governments and reigns

King · France · Reign Documented1483–1498Effective rule

King · Naples · Reign Documented1495–1495OccupationKingship proclaimed during the French occupation of 1495, between Ferdinand II’s withdrawal and return. This does not imply stable government or exclusive control of the entire kingdom.

Family network

Recorded relationships

Parents

Louis XI of FranceDocumentedCharlotte of Savoy · ESDocumented

Partners

Anne of Brittany · ESPending review

Crowns and unions

Their titles over time

Follow the changing territories and offices of Charles VIII of France. Each title retains its own status.

Period

Governments in 1495

FranceKing
View titles and jurisdictions
- France · ESKing · Effective rule1483–1498
NaplesKing
View titles and jurisdictions
- Naples · ESKing · Occupation1495–1495 · Kingship proclaimed during the French occupation of 1495, between Ferdinand II’s withdrawal and return. This does not imply stable government or exclusive control of the entire kingdom.

Annual dates: overlap within one year does not prove that two offices were held on the same day. Regencies and co-rulerships retain their labels.

Documentation

Sources for this profile

Biographical and contextual references in their original language. Sources and methodology.

Evidence for this profile

7 recorded claims · 1 without a claim-specific source. Context references do not by themselves verify every fact.

Dates (2/2 with a precise source)

BirthDocumented
30 June 1470
The authority record gives the birth as 1470-06-30.
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek · GND · Karl VIII., Frankreich, König · Vital data: birth date
Reviewed on 2026-10-17 by El Árbol de Europa ·
DeathDocumented
7 April 1498
The authority record gives the death as 1498-04-07.
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek · GND · Karl VIII., Frankreich, König · Vital data: death date
Reviewed on 2026-10-17 by El Árbol de Europa ·

Family and relationships (2/3 with a precise source)

FatherDocumented
Louis XI of France
The authority record identifies Louis XI of France (GND 118574930) as father.
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek · GND · Karl VIII., Frankreich, König · Relationships: father → GND 118574930
Reviewed on 2026-10-17 by El Árbol de Europa ·
MotherDocumented
Charlotte of Savoy
The authority record identifies Charlotte of Savoy (GND 1102373680) as mother.
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek · GND · Karl VIII., Frankreich, König · Relationships: mother → GND 1102373680
Reviewed on 2026-10-17 by El Árbol de Europa ·
Marriage or partnershipPending review
Anne of Brittany
A precise source has not yet been added.
No individual review recorded ·

Governments (2/2 with a precise source)

GovernmentDocumented
King · France · 1483–1498
The authority record dates this office to 1483–1498.
Deutsche Nationalbibliothek · GND · Karl VIII., Frankreich, König · Biographical data: “König von Frankreich 1483-1498, 1495 auch König von Neapel und Sizilien”
Reviewed on 2026-10-17 by El Árbol de Europa ·
GovernmentDocumented
King · Naples · 1495–1495
Title and occupation in 1495, with Ferdinand II returning within the year.
Treccani · Carlo VIII re di Francia · Entry into Naples on 22 February 1495 and French withdrawal later that year.
Reviewed on 2026-10-20 by El Árbol de Europa ·

Biographical and contextual references (3)

Editorial history

2026-10-12 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-10-08 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-10-04 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-10-04 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-10-03 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-09-30 · The duchy is limited to Dijon and Autun; each other fief now enters the map only under its dated ruler. John III of Namur and the Nevers/Rethel branch were added. The previous shape combined later counties and unrelated lands as if all belonged to the duchy from 1363.
2026-09-28 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.

Follow this person through history

Story · Spanish original

The kingdom divided in two

Hohenstaufen, Anjou and Aragon contend for Sicily and Naples

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