# French invasion of Italy (1494)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1494-french-invasion-of-italy
Location: Italy
Categories: battle

Charles VIII marched into Italy, beginning decades of French involvement in the Italian Wars. Within the broader Late Medieval France period, The Valois kingdom endured the Hundred Years’ War, plague, civil conflict and English occupation before recovering under Charles VII and Louis XI. Military and fiscal reforms strengthened the crown by the late fifteenth century. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Charles VIII (King of France). French invasion of Italy mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
French invasion of Italy mattered because it changed the military or territorial balance and influenced the political choices that followed.

Ruler at the time: [Charles VIII](https://history-france.com/rulers/charles-viii)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — French invasion of Italy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=French+invasion+of+Italy&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — French invasion of Italy](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=French+invasion+of+Italy)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)