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ARDENNES - PRINCIPALITY OF ARCHES-CHARLEVILLE - CHARLES I GONZAGA

(1601-1637)

Grandson of Frederick II Duke of Mantua and son of Louis de Gonzague and Henriette de Cleves, Charles I of Gonzaga was born in 1580 in Paris in the Hotel de Nevers. Wealthy, relative of Henri IV and of several sovereign houses, he received a solid education, both intellectual and military.. He marries in 1599 Catherine de Lorraine of which he had Charles de Gonzague; Marie, who will marry the last two kings of Poland from the Vasa family and Anne who will marry the Count Palatine of the Rhine Édouard de Simmern. The faith of Charles I is sincere and the creation of pious foundations, his crusade projects or his death in the habit of a Franciscan in 1637 bear witness to this.. In 1595, he inherited the duchy of Nevers and Rethel, which he made the glorious principality of Arches, multiplying the constructions and creating the city of Charleville in 1606.. In 1627, he was called upon to succeed his cousin Vincent II as head of the Duchy of Mantua.. His rights are disputed by the Emperor Ferdinand II on the instances of Savoy and Spain while he is supported by the Pope and Venice. The War of the Succession of Mantua followed, in which France intervened in 1629.. In 1630, the French armies seized Pignerol, Saluzzo and released Casale. In 1631, Charles de Gonzague was finally confirmed as Duke of Mantua.. All his life, Charles de Gonzague will have shown the image of a prince-soldier of the Renaissance leading a grand train, believing, cultured and builder..