A Renaissance monarch known as the "Knight King", who defeated the formidable Swiss forces at Marignano. On New Year's Day in 1515, the 20-year-old Count of Angoulême, François, ascended the French throne after Louis XII died without an heir. As the late king's cousin and son-in-law, he became known to history as Francis I. His reign began at a moment of great opportunity and ambition. Francis I inherited not only one of Europe's largest kingdoms, but also a formidable army shaped by the Hundred Year's War. French cavalry dominated the battlefield, while its mobile and powerful artillery stood unmatched. Francis further strengthened this force by standardizing artillery specifications, later known as the "French caliber". Seeking to reclaim lands lost in the Italian Wars, Francis personally led his army across the Alps to confront the Swiss at Marignano. German mercenaries held back the Swiss pike formations long enough for French knights and artillery to take control of the battle. Despite fierce Swiss resistance, the arrival of