Discourses on Livy · Character

King Louis XII

French king who invaded Italy and is analyzed for his political mistakes.

minor

Also known as Louis, Louis XII, King Louis of France

First appearance: i

King Louis XII shows up with force in That it is a great reproach to a prince or to a commonwealth to be without a national army. The page is where that presence becomes real.

Referenced indirectly as the King of England's opponent; the English king invaded his realm with a native army.

In the storyThat it is a great reproach to a prince or to a commonwealth to be without a national armyOpen this moment free

King Louis XII first appears in 0004 i.

In That it is a great reproach to a prince or to a commonwealth to be without a national army: Referenced indirectly as the King of England's opponent; the English king invaded his realm with a native army.

Later, in That we should never hazard our whole fortunes where we put not forth our entire strength; for which reason to guard a defile is often hurtful.: Referenced indirectly through the 1515 campaign of Francis I of France, who bypassed Swiss guards in the mountains.

See King Louis XII in That it is a great reproach to a prince or to a commonwealth to be without a national army Book page

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Character groups

Historical and Political Examples
Military Prudence and Tyranny
Founders and Tyrants
Modern Military and Papal Power
Military Exemplars

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the Claudian censor, driven by the family’s ingrained haughti…

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In the story

King Louis XII appears across 8 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

That it is a great reproach to a prince or to a commonwealth to be without a national army
Referenced indirectly as the King of England's opponent; the English king invaded his realm with a native army.
That we should never hazard our whole fortunes where we put not forth our entire strength; for which reason to guard a defile is often hurtful.
Referenced indirectly through the 1515 campaign of Francis I of France, who bypassed Swiss guards in the mountains.
XXXVIII
King of France who, after recovering Milan, sought to restore Pisa to the Florentines in exchange for payment, sending troops under M. Beaumont.
XV
French king whose campaign against Lodovico of Milan was affected by Florentine delay in ratification.
XXII
Predecessor of Francis I; had previously gained the Venetians as allies for the recovery of Milan.
XXIV
French king who built a strong citadel in Genoa after suppressing a rebellion, but later lost control of the city.
XV
Sent troops to restore Pisa to the Florentines in 1500, providing the modern example.
XLIII
Referenced as Charles VIII of France, who failed to restore the fortresses of Pisa despite receiving payments.

Chapter companion notes

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See King Louis XII in i

See King Louis XII in That it is a great reproach to a prince or to a commonwealth to be without a national army