Charles-the-Bold, also known as Charles I of Burgundy, was born on November 10, 1433, and died on January 5, 1477. He was the Duke of Burgundy from 1467 until his death. Known for his ambition and military prowess, Charles sought to elevate Burgundy to the status of a sovereign kingdom, independent of the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire.
Charles was the son of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, and his third wife, Isabella of Portugal. His early life was marked by extensive military training, which prepared him for his later aggressive policies. Upon his father's death in 1467, Charles inherited one of the wealthiest and most powerful states in Europe.
Charles had grand ambitions to unify his territories into a centralized state, often referred to as the "Burgundian Circle." His reign was characterized by:
Charles's aggressive expansionist policies eventually led to his downfall. He was defeated by the Swiss Confederacy at the Battle of Nancy in 1477, where he was killed. His body was later found and identified by his armor, which bore the emblem of the Order of the Golden Fleece.
After Charles's death, his daughter Mary inherited Burgundy. Her marriage to Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor brought Burgundy into the Habsburg Dynasty, significantly influencing European politics. Charles's ambitions left a lasting mark on European history, setting the stage for future conflicts over the territories he once sought to unify.