Philippe de Commynes

Timeline

1. 1472–1483Paris · Île-de-FranceAfter leaving the camp of Charles, Duke of Burgundy, Commynes joined Louis XI and became one of his most trusted ministers, taking part in diplomatic negotiations with Burgundy and England as well as domestic politics.
2. 1491–1498Lyon · Auvergne-Rhône-AlpesAfter Charles VIII came of age and ruled personally, Commynes returned to court, taking part in the 1491 Brittany marriage negotiations and preparations for the 1494 Italian expedition, handling diplomacy and intelligence in Lyon and elsewhere, and witnessing the opening of the Italian Wars.
3. 1498–1500Argenton · Nouvelle-AquitaineAfter Louis XII acceded, Commynes fell out of favor and was imprisoned, later pardoned and living on his estate at Argenton. From about 1498 he began writing his Memoirs, recording court politics and the Italian Wars from Louis XI to Charles VIII.
4. 1501–1511Argenton · FranceCommynes continued refining his Memoirs at Argenton, analyzing the workings of power, diplomatic strategy, and the gains and losses of war with a cool, pragmatic pen; the work became a primary source for studying late fifteenth-century French politics.