François I of France

François I was a influential king of France from 1515 to 1547, known for supporting the arts and humanism, which sparked the French Renaissance. He strengthened the monarchy’s power, commissioned important architecture like the Château de Chambord, and was a patron of famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci. His reign saw France become more culturally vibrant and politically active in Europe. François I also fought several wars to expand French territory and maintained a complex relationship with the Holy Roman Empire. Overall, he is remembered as a modernizing ruler who fostered cultural growth and centralized royal authority.