# King Louis XII — Discourses on Livy character guide

> King Louis XII in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

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

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

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

## In the story

### [That it is a great reproach to a prince or to a commonwealth to be without a national army](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxi)

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.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxiii)

Referenced indirectly through the 1515 campaign of Francis I of France, who bypassed Swiss guards in the mountains.

### [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xv)

French king whose campaign against Lodovico of Milan was affected by Florentine delay in ratification.

### [XXII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxii)

Predecessor of Francis I; had previously gained the Venetians as allies for the recovery of Milan.

### [XXIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xxiv)

French king who built a strong citadel in Genoa after suppressing a rebellion, but later lost control of the city.

### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xv)

Sent troops to restore Pisa to the Florentines in 1500, providing the modern example.

### [XLIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xliii)

Referenced as Charles VIII of France, who failed to restore the fortresses of Pisa despite receiving payments.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/king_louis_xii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters