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Charles the Bold 1433-77
Duke of Burgundy

He was born in Dijon, and succeeded his father, Philip, the Good, as duke (1467). Hasty and obstinate, though nominally a French vassal, he was continually at war with Louis XI of France, aiming to restore the old Kingdom of Burgundy, by conquering Lorraine, Provence, Dauphiné, and Switzerland. He was successful until 1474, organizing his extended possessions, freed from French control. He gained power over Lorraine (1475) and invaded Switzerland, but was defeated at Granson and Morat (1476). He laid siege to Nancy, but was killed in the battle. Under him Burgundy reached the zenith of its power, but it was a fragile achievement which then fell apart in the minority of his daughter.