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Home / Periods / Early Modern France / Reign of Francis I

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Reign of Francis I

1515–1547

Francis I became king of France in 1515 and quickly established his military reputation with victory at Marignano. His reign was dominated by rivalry with Charles V, repeated Italian campaigns and competition for influence within Europe.

Francis also cultivated a brilliant court and sponsored Renaissance art, architecture and scholarship, inviting Leonardo da Vinci to France. Court ceremony and cultural patronage operated alongside warfare, taxation and diplomatic rivalry.

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3 Best Novels About the Reign of Francis I