Whose Birthday Is It? July 3, 2018

Louis XI of France, the Spider King (1423)

Louis XI ruled from 1461 to 1483 and is deemed France’s first modern king for establishing a powerful monarchy and moving away from the feudal system of the Middle Ages. His web of political machinations earned him the nickname “Spider King” and destroyed his relationship with his father, King Charles VII. In 1440, at age 17, he tried to depose Charles in the uprising known as the Praguerie. Though Charles forgave his son, he exiled Louis six years later. What had Louis done this time? More…