# Charles the Bold

> last Valois Duke of Burgundy (1433-1477)

**Wikidata**: [Q151120](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q151120)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_the_Bold)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/charles-the-bold

## Summary
Charles the Bold was the last Valois Duke of Burgundy, ruling from 1433 to 1477. A key political figure in 15th-century Europe, he was notable for his ambitious territorial expansion and military leadership, though his aggressive policies ultimately led to his defeat and death in battle.

## Biography
- Born: 10 November 1433
- Nationality: French
- Education: Unknown (no details provided)
- Known for: Leading Burgundian expansion and military campaigns
- Employer(s): Duke of Burgundy (1433–1477)
- Field(s): Politics, military leadership

## Contributions
Charles the Bold is primarily known for his role in the Burgundian Wars, which expanded Burgundian influence across northern Europe. His military campaigns, including the Siege of Neuss (1474), demonstrated his strategic prowess but also contributed to Burgundy's eventual decline. His leadership helped shape the political landscape of 15th-century Europe, though his aggressive tactics ultimately led to his defeat and death at the Battle of Nancy (1477).

## FAQs
**What was Charles the Bold's primary role in history?**
Charles the Bold was the last Valois Duke of Burgundy, ruling from 1433 to 1477. He was a key political and military leader who expanded Burgundian influence through aggressive territorial campaigns, though his policies ultimately led to his defeat and death.

**Where did Charles the Bold work?**
Charles the Bold served as the Duke of Burgundy, a position he held from 1433 until his death in 1477. His rule was marked by significant military and political activities, including the Burgundian Wars.

**What were Charles the Bold's major achievements?**
Charles the Bold is remembered for his military leadership during the Burgundian Wars, which expanded Burgundian territories. His campaigns, such as the Siege of Neuss, demonstrated his strategic skills, though his aggressive tactics contributed to Burgundy's eventual decline.

**How did Charles the Bold die?**
Charles the Bold was killed in battle at the Battle of Nancy on 5 January 1477. His death marked the end of Burgundian dominance in northern Europe and led to the dissolution of the duchy.

## Why They Matter
Charles the Bold's legacy lies in his role as a key figure in the Burgundian Wars, which reshaped the political map of northern Europe. His aggressive expansionist policies, while successful in the short term, ultimately led to Burgundy's decline and his own death in battle. His military leadership and territorial ambitions influenced later European conflicts, making him a significant though ultimately tragic figure in medieval history.

## Notable For
- Last Valois Duke of Burgundy (1433–1477)
- Leader of the Burgundian Wars, expanding Burgundian influence
- Killed in battle at the Battle of Nancy (1477), ending Burgundian dominance
- Known for aggressive territorial expansion and military campaigns

## Body

### Early Life and Rise to Power
Charles the Bold was born on 10 November 1433, the son of Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. He succeeded his father in 1433, inheriting a powerful and wealthy duchy. His early reign was marked by political maneuvering and strategic alliances, positioning Burgundy as a major player in European politics.

### Military Leadership and Burgundian Wars
Charles the Bold is best known for his military campaigns, which expanded Burgundian territories across northern Europe. His most notable achievements include the Siege of Neuss (1474), where he captured the city and secured Burgundian dominance in the Rhineland. These wars, however, came at a high cost, as Burgundy's aggressive expansion led to significant financial and military strain.

### Decline and Death
Charles the Bold's aggressive policies ultimately led to his downfall. His defeat at the Battle of Nancy on 5 January 1477 marked the end of Burgundian dominance. The battle, fought against the French and Habsburg forces, resulted in his death, leaving a lasting impact on European politics. His legacy is one of both military brilliance and tragic failure, shaping the course of medieval European history.

## References

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2. Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1969–1978)
3. Source
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