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Charles the Bold

Type Figure Region Burgundy Time 1433–1477 Also known as Charles the Bold (Burgundy)、Count of Charolais

Charles the Bold (1433–1477), last Duke of Burgundy (r. 1467–1477), famed for ambition and military ventures, nicknamed 'le Téméraire'.…

Timeline

  1. 1451–1454Bruges · Burgundian NetherlandsCharles the Bold received a noble education in his father Philip the Good's court, learning horsemanship, the art of war, and chivalric etiquette. The prosperous commercial culture of Bruges and Ghent and courtly pomp deeply shaped his tastes and political ambitions. In 1454 Philip the Good held the famous 'Banquet of the Pheasant' in Lille, vowing to launch a crusade; Charles took part, further cementing his chivalric ideals.
  2. 1456–1460Ghent · Burgundian NetherlandsIn 1456 the French dauphin Louis fled to Burgundy, and Charles, as a young count, met him frequently. Outwardly friendly, both were deeply ambitious; this experience laid the groundwork for the long political rivalry between Louis XI and Charles the Bold. Charles also took part in the diplomatic negotiations led by his father, gaining practical experience.
  3. 1457–1460Dinant · Burgundian NetherlandsCharles the Bold began to take on military command roles, participating in suppressing urban revolts in the Netherlands and other actions, displaying a strong personal military style. His preference for chivalry and direct confrontation contrasted sharply with his father Philip the Good's cautious diplomacy, foreshadowing his later aggressive expansionist policies.

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