Charles VI

Charles VI was born to King Charles V of France and Joan of Bourbon in the royal palace of Paris.

At the age of six, Charles VI begins his formal education, including studies in languages, religion, and military arts.

Upon the death of his father, Charles V, Charles VI ascends to the throne at the age of 12, with his uncle, the Duke of Anjou, as regent.

Charles VI takes full control of the government, dismissing his uncles and appointing his own council, marking the beginning of his personal rule.

During a military campaign, Charles VI experiences a severe mental breakdown, attacking his own men and exhibiting erratic behavior, signaling the onset of his mental illness.

At a masquerade ball, Charles VI and several courtiers are nearly burned alive when their costumes catch fire, exacerbating his mental health issues.

Charles VI marries Isabeau of Bavaria, a political alliance aimed at strengthening France's position in Europe and securing the throne.

Charles VI issues the Great Ordinance, a series of reforms aimed at improving the administration and finances of the kingdom, despite his mental instability.

The Duke of Orléans, Charles VI's brother, is assassinated by supporters of the Duke of Burgundy, leading to a power struggle and civil war within France.

In a state of mental decline, Charles VI signs the Treaty of Troyes, recognizing Henry V of England as his heir, effectively disowning his own son, the Dauphin Charles.

French forces, led by the Dauphin Charles, suffer a devastating defeat at the Battle of Agincourt against the English, further weakening Charles VI's rule.

Paris is captured by the Burgundians, allies of the English, and Charles VI is taken into custody, effectively losing control of the capital.

The Duke of Burgundy, John the Fearless, is assassinated, leading to a shift in the balance of power and further complicating the political landscape.

Charles VI's daughter, Catherine of Valois, marries Henry V of England, solidifying the English claim to the French throne and further isolating Charles VI.

Charles VI dies at the Hôtel Saint-Pol in Paris, leaving his kingdom in a state of disarray and civil war, with his son, Charles VII, eventually succeeding him.