Louis of Anjou was the founder of the second house of Anjou in Naples. He was adopted by the celebrated Joan of Naples, apparently because he bore the prestigious title of Anjou. This adoption created what historians call a second branch of the elder House of Anjou, which descended from Charles, the brother of St. Louis of France.
Despite his noble lineage, Louis of Anjou was less successful than his predecessor. He never managed to secure the throne of Naples and left only an empty title to his descendants. Later, the last of his line, Regnier, transferred this title to Charles VIII of France. This act became the starting point for the famous invasion of Naples by Charles VIII. Historians view this as the origin of much of the political turmoil in Europe, which continued through the centuries, eventually influencing events up to the French Revolution End of the Battle of Poitiers.
Philip the Bold and the Duchy of Burgundy
Philip, the fourth and favorite son of King John of France, was given the duchy of Burgundy in 1363. He became the founder of the second line of Dukes of Burgundy. This family line lasted for several generations, but eventually ended, which is described in the historical account titled “The Last Days of Charles the Bold.”
Philip was nicknamed “the Bold,” and he showed his courage and strong character even as a child. He was taken prisoner alongside his father at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, when he was only fourteen years old.
Philip’s Courage at Poitiers
There is a famous story about young Philip during his captivity. One day, the English and French kings were dining together. When the server offered a drink, he gave it first to King Edward of England. Philip, shocked by this, struck the server and exclaimed, “Where didst thou learn to serve the vassal before the lord?”
Edward looked at the boy for a moment, surprised by his boldness, and then smiled, saying simply, “Truly, you are Philip the Bold.” This story shows the courage, pride, and sense of honor that Philip carried even at a young age. It also reflects the strict codes of respect and hierarchy observed among nobles during the Middle Ages Guided Sofia Tour.
Historical Significance
Both Louis of Anjou and Philip the Bold played important roles in European history. Louis’s failed claim to Naples had long-term consequences for French and Italian politics, while Philip’s establishment of the second line of Dukes of Burgundy influenced the power and politics of France and neighboring regions for decades.
For those interested in further details about these princes, additional accounts can be found in the fifth note to the story titled “The Court of the Count of Foix,” Vol. II. These stories provide deeper insight into the lives, ambitions, and actions of the sons of King John of France, many of whom played key roles in shaping the medieval political landscape.
