Francis I of France was a pivotal figure in the Renaissance period, reigning as King of France from 1515 to 1547. Born on September 12, 1494, in Cognac, he ascended to the throne at the age of 20 following the death of his cousin, King Louis XII.
Francis was the son of Charles de Valois, Count of Angoulême, and Louise de Savoie. His early education was overseen by his mother, who instilled in him a love for literature and the arts, which would later characterize his reign. In 1514, Francis married Claude de France, the daughter of Louis XII, securing his claim to the French throne upon Louis's death.
Upon ascending the throne, Francis I sought to strengthen the monarchy's power, reduce the influence of feudal lords, and centralize governance. His reign is marked by:
Francis I's legacy is mixed. He is celebrated for his contributions to the arts and culture in France, which helped make France a cultural center in Europe. However, his foreign policy often led to military and financial strain on the kingdom. His reign saw the beginning of significant internal changes that would shape French politics and society for centuries, including the centralization of power, which would be further developed by his successors.
Francis I died on March 31, 1547, at the Château de Rambouillet. He was succeeded by his son, Henry II of France.