Louis I, Duke of Orléans
Louis I, Duke of Orléans was born on March 13, 1372, in Paris, France. He was the second son of King Charles V and Queen Joanna of Bourbon. In 1389, at the age of 17, he married Valentina Visconti, daughter of the Duke of Milan. Louis played an active role in the political affairs of France throughout his life. He supported his brother, King Charles VI, during the early years of his reign and later became one of the leaders of the Armagnac faction, which opposed the Burgundians. In 1407, Louis was imprisoned by the Burgundians and held captive for 25 years until his release in 1433. During his imprisonment, he composed many poems and literary works, which earned him the nickname "the poet-prince." Upon his release, Louis returned to France and resumed his role in politics. He became a significant figure in the Court of King Charles VII and was appointed as Lieutenant-General of the Kingdom. He also continued to write poetry and patronize the arts. In 1440, Louis was assassinated in Paris, allegedly by order of his cousin, John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy. His death triggered a series of conflicts known as the Wars of the Roses, which plunged France into chaos for several years. Overall, Louis I, Duke of Orléans was a prominent figure in French politics and culture during the late Middle Ages. He was known for his poetic works, his support of the Armagnac faction, and his tragic end at the hands of his own family.
