Louis XII, known as "Father of the People" or "The Good King", was King of France from 1498 to 1515. Born on June 27, 1462, in the Château de Blois, he was the son of Charles, Duke of Orléans, and Marie of Cleves.
Louis was initially the Duke of Orléans. His path to the throne was not straightforward; he was imprisoned during the reign of his cousin, Louis XI, due to suspicions of plotting against the king. After Louis XI's death in 1483, Louis XII supported the rebellion against the new king, Charles VIII, but eventually reconciled with him. Upon Charles VIII's death in 1498 without a surviving son, Louis XII succeeded to the throne, as Charles' daughter was deemed ineligible to rule due to Salic Law.
Louis XII's reign is considered a period of relative peace and prosperity in France, despite his military adventures in Italy. His nickname, "Father of the People," reflects his popularity among the French populace for his efforts in justice and governance. His death on January 1, 1515, led to the ascension of his cousin, Francis I, marking the beginning of the Renaissance in France.