House of Valois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids House of Valois |
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Arms of the King of France since 1376
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| Country | France |
| Parent house | Capetian dynasty |
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| Founded | 1284 |
| Founder | Charles, Count of Valois |
| Final ruler | Henry III of France |
| Dissolution | 1589 |
| Cadet branches |
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The House of Valois was a powerful family that ruled France for over 250 years. They were a younger part of the Capetian dynasty, which was another important royal family in France. The Valois kings ruled from 1328 to 1529, during a time known as the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
The Valois family came from Charles of Valois. He was the third son of Philip III of France. When the main Capetian family had no direct male heir, the Valois claimed the throne. They used an old rule called Salic law. This law said that only men could inherit the crown. This claim led to a big fight with Edward III of England. He believed he should be king of France because his mother was a French princess. This disagreement started the long and famous Hundred Years' War.
The Valois Dynasty: A French Royal Family
The House of Valois became kings of France in 1328. This happened after the last direct Capetian king, Charles IV, died without a son. The Valois family was the closest male line. They took control of a kingdom that was often at war.
Starting the Valois Rule
The first Valois king was Philip VI. He was the son of Charles of Valois. Philip VI had to deal with many challenges. The biggest challenge was the claim from Edward III of England. This claim led to the Hundred Years' War. This war lasted for more than 100 years. It shaped much of the Valois rule.
Challenges and Conflicts
The Hundred Years' War was a series of battles between France and England. It was fought over who should rule France. The Valois kings had to defend their country. They faced many defeats and victories during this long conflict. Famous figures like Joan of Arc helped France during this time. She helped turn the tide of the war in favor of the French.
Important Valois Kings
Many kings from the House of Valois ruled France. Each one faced different challenges and helped shape the country.
Charles V: The Wise King
Charles V ruled from 1364 to 1380. He was known as "Charles the Wise." He worked hard to rebuild France after early parts of the Hundred Years' War. He improved the army and the government. Charles V also built many castles and libraries. He helped France become stronger and more organized.
Charles VII: Ending the War
Charles VII ruled from 1422 to 1461. He was king during a very difficult time. Much of France was controlled by the English. Joan of Arc helped him become crowned king in Reims. This was a very important moment. Charles VII eventually pushed the English out of France. He ended the Hundred Years' War in 1453. This made France a strong and independent nation.
Louis XI: The Spider King
Louis XI ruled from 1461 to 1483. He was known as "the Spider King" because he was very clever and sneaky. He worked to make the king's power stronger. He also brought more lands under French control. Louis XI was a skilled diplomat. He often used clever plans instead of open warfare. He helped unite France even more.
The Renaissance in France
The later Valois kings ruled during the Renaissance. This was a time of great change and new ideas in Europe.
Francis I: A Patron of Arts
Francis I ruled from 1515 to 1547. He was a very important king during the Renaissance. He loved art and culture. Francis I invited famous artists like Leonardo da Vinci to France. He built beautiful castles, like the Château de Chambord. He also started the Collège de France, a famous school. Francis I helped bring the Renaissance to France.
Henry II: Continuing the Legacy
Henry II ruled from 1547 to 1559. He continued his father's work. He also fought wars to expand French territory. Henry II was a strong ruler. He helped France remain a major power in Europe.
The End of the Valois Rule
The Valois dynasty ended in 1589. This happened with the death of Henry III of France. He was the last Valois king. Henry III died without any children. This meant there was no direct male heir from the Valois family to take the throne.
Rise of the Bourbons
After Henry III's death, the French throne passed to the House of Bourbon. This new royal family was also related to the Capetian dynasty. The first Bourbon king was Henry IV. He was a cousin of Henry III. The change from Valois to Bourbon marked a new chapter in French history.
Legacy of the Valois
The House of Valois ruled France for over two and a half centuries. They faced many challenges, including the Hundred Years' War. They also helped France grow into a powerful nation. Under their rule, France saw a flourishing of art and culture during the Renaissance. The Valois kings left a lasting mark on French history. They helped shape the country we know today.
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