Francis I of France

NAME Francis I (François Ier in French)

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Francis I is primarily famous for his significant role in the French Renaissance, his patronage of the arts (including bringing Leonardo da Vinci to France), his rivalry with Emperor Charles V, and his military campaigns that shaped European politics in the 16th century. He was a central figure in the cultural and political landscape of his time, often seen as the epitome of the Renaissance monarch in France.

BIRTH Francis I was born on September 12, 1494, at the Château de Cognac in Saintonge, then part of the Duchy of Aquitaine. He was born as Francis of Orléans.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Francis was the son of Charles, Count of Angoulême (also known as Charles of Orléans), and Louise of Savoy. He was a first cousin, once removed, of the French monarch Louis XII. Although his family was not initially expected to inherit the throne, the untimely deaths of Charles VIII and later Louis XII, both without male heirs, positioned Francis as heir presumptive. His sister was Marguerite de Navarre (also known as Margaret of Angoulême).

CHILDHOOD Francis arrived at the royal castle of Amboise at the age of 7, in the company of his mother and his sister Marguerite. Like other royal princes, he spent a large part of his childhood in this reputedly safe and healthy fortress. His mother, Louise of Savoy, committed him to the care of the marshal of Gié, where he was nurtured. Louise of Savoy had been quietly preparing him for the responsibilities of leadership despite Francis never being meant to be king initially.

EDUCATION Francis received a comprehensive Renaissance education. He was tutored by Gian Francesco de Asola, an Italian humanist, and his mother ensured he was exposed to classical literature, history, and languages. He also excelled in physical pursuits such as hunting, jousting, and swordsmanship, which were considered essential for a nobleman.

CAREER RECORD  

1496: Became Count of Angoulême upon his father's death.

1498: Became Duke of Valois.

1515: Ascended to the throne of France as Francis I after the death of Louis XII. His 32-year reign was marked by continuous military campaigns, administrative reforms, and cultural patronage.

APPEARANCE Contemporary portraits reveal Francis as a man of noble bearing, and, in spite of a very long and large nose, extremely handsome. He was a tall and elegant monarch with his height giving him an advantage in wrestling and running

Jean Clouet's famous portrait shows him with narrowed blue eyes, his shrewd glance, his dark moustache and beard which lend his face a singular attraction. The portrait show the first signs of ageing and the long nose of the Valois, and his features were painted realistically in accordance with Flemish artistic traditions.

Francis I, c. 1527–1530 by Jean Clouet

FASHION Francis I was a trendsetter in French fashion. He favored lavish and ornate clothing, reflecting the opulence of the Renaissance. His attire often included rich fabrics like velvet, silk, and brocade, adorned with intricate embroidery, jewels, and furs. He popularized the short beard and short hair for men. He was known for his love of elaborate hats, often decorated with plumes.

In Jean Clouet's portrait, he wears a wide-necked doublet with paned sleeves under dark gold jerkin and a satin overgown with turned-back sleeves. His shirt has a tiny frill edged in black at the neck and wide ruffles at the wrist. 

CHARACTER Francis I possessed a complex personality. He was described as bright and cunning, if sometimes impetuous and shallow, and he had a presence that was noted by all the memorialists of his day. He was a sturdy and valiant knight, affable, courteous, a brilliant talker. The king was known for his natural eloquence and his memory. However, his policy, save for some flashes of sagacity, was irresolute and vacillating. He displayed both the light and chivalrous temper characteristic of his era.

SPEAKING VOICE Francis I was renowned for both his natural eloquence and his memory. He spoke to his people in his grand manner, warmly and openly: "My friends, my beloved ones . . . .". His eloquence was noted as one of his most remarkable qualities, contributing to his popularity among the French people.

SENSE OF HUMOUR The king had an appreciation for wit and humor, as evidenced by his relationship with his court jester Triboulet. Francis greatly enjoyed Triboulet's bawdy humor, though the jester frequently crossed the line with death penalty-worthy offenses. When Triboulet slapped Francis on his royal behind, the king was initially furious but then offered the jester a chance to save himself with an even more insulting apology. Triboulet's response - claiming he mistook the king for the queen - so amused Francis that he spared the jester's life. (1)

RELATIONSHIPS Francis married twice. His first marriage was to Claude, Duchess of Brittany, which was arranged for political reasons. Claude was the daughter of King Louis XII and Anne of Brittany. Initially, her mother wanted her to marry Charles V (the future Holy Roman Emperor) to keep Brittany separate from the French crown. However, after political maneuvering and the influence of Francis’s mother, Louise of Savoy, Claude’s engagement to Charles was canceled and she was instead married to Francis, then heir presumptive to the French throne. This ensured Brittany remained united with France and strengthened Francis’s claim to the throne

The wedding took place on May 18, 1514 in the chapel at the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, near Paris. The marriage was not considered a love match. Claude was described as gentle and pious, while Francis was charismatic but unfaithful.

Their union produced seven children, but two died before turning eight, another two died at the ages of 18 to 23. The remaining three were: Henry, King of France, Madeline, Queen of Scotland and Margaret, Duchess of Berry. (2)

Francis maintained several mistresses throughout their marriage, and the court recognized two official maîtresse-en-titre (chief mistresses). Claude’s health suffered, and she died on July 26, 1524 aged 24. The exact cause of her death was disputed among sources and historians  

The picture below shows Claude surrounded by her daughters (Charlotte, Madeleine and Marguerite), her sister Renée (or her deceased older daughter Louise) and her husband's second wife Eleanor of Austria, in the Livre d'heures de Catherine de Medicis, 1550.

After Claude's death, Francis married Eleanor of Austria again for political reasons. The union was a condition of Francis’s release after his capture at the Battle of Pavia. The marriage was finalized as part of the Treaty of Madrid and the “Ladies’ Peace” negotiated by Francis’s mother and Charles’s aunt. Eleanor was used as a diplomatic pawn by her brother to secure peace and alliances.

The wedding was held on July 4, 1530 in the chapel of the monastery of Beyries, near Roquefort-de-Marsan in southwestern France. The marriage was not close or affectionate. The couple had no children, and Francis continued his relationships with his mistresses. Eleanor was described as dutiful but largely sidelined at the French court, and there is little evidence of a strong personal bond between her and Francis. 

Eleanor of Austria. Portrait by Joos van Cleve, c. 1530

Francis was the father of two sons, and his heir was initially the Dauphin François, but after this son's death in 1536, his second son became King Henry II of France.

Francis had a close relationship with his mother, Louise of Savoy, who was a trusted advisor and regent..

MONEY AND FAME Francis faced significant financial challenges throughout his reign. Revenue fell far short of the king's ever-growing military needs, and he had to borrow from foreign bankers to pay for his wars and other projects. 

Two major weaknesses of Francis's reign were the country's tax system and its financial administration, both plagued by corruption and inefficiency. He attempted reforms by creating a central treasury and prosecuting corrupt bankers. The common tax – the taille – was increased to finance French foreign policy.

Francis was famous throughout Europe as a powerful monarch, a patron of the arts, and a chivalrous knight. His fame grew significantly after his capture at Pavia, which, despite being a military disaster, cemented his image as a warrior king. He consciously cultivated his image as a Renaissance prince.

FOOD AND DRINK  The court of Francis I was known for its opulence and lavish banquets. Food was a symbol of status and power. Meals were elaborate, featuring a wide variety of meats (game, poultry, beef, pork), fish, fresh fruits, and vegetables, often prepared with rich sauces and spices. Wine was the primary drink, consumed in large quantities. 

Catherine de' Medici (an Italian noblewoman from Florence) brought Italian cooks and culinary customs to France when she married Henry II, the son of Francis I in 1533. The court saw the introduction of new culinary techniques and ingredients, influenced by Italian cuisine. 

MUSIC AND ARTS Francis I was the foremost patron of Renaissance arts in France. He was an intense admirer of Italian art, and from early on in his reign he courted the best Italian painters and craftsmen. He supported painters such as Rosso Fiorentino, Giulio Romano, and Primaticcio. and collected art works by Renaissance masters such as Raphael, Michelangelo, Titian, and Benvenuto Cellini.

Most famously, Francis invited the great Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci, then sixty-four, to settle and work for him in France. Leonardo spent his final years in France and brought the Mona Lisa with him. 

Francis I receiving the last breath of Leonardo da Vinci in 1519, by Ingres, painted in 1818

Francis initiated major building projects, transforming royal residences like the Château de Fontainebleau (which became a center of the "School of Fontainebleau" style) and starting the construction of the magnificent Château de Chambord. He also continued work on the Louvre.

Music was an integral part of court life, with composers and musicians employed to provide entertainment for banquets, balls, and religious services.

LITERATURE Francis was a poet himself in his spare time and enjoyed both French and Italian poetry; history also appealed to him. His court became a center for humanist learning, and his first major editorial commission involved translations of ancient history books written during Louis XII's reign that had remained unpublished, existing only in manuscript form. Francis also built up the royal library, which later became the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. 

Francis issued the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts in 1539, which made French the official language of administration and legal documents, a landmark in the development of French national identity

NATURE Francis I was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time in nature, particularly in the vast royal forests. His châteaux, like Chambord, were often built in or near hunting grounds, reflecting his passion for the sport. He appreciated the beauty of the French countryside.

Francis was an avid outdoorsman who spent much of his time hunting. He toured France tirelessly, showing himself to people who had never seen a king. He was constantly travelling on horseback, winter and summer, whether well or ill. His love of nature extended to his appreciation for outdoor activities and his extensive travels throughout his kingdom.

PETS Francis I was fond of animals, particularly hunting dogs, which were essential companions for his favorite sport. He also kept various exotic animals at his residences, reflecting the Renaissance fascination with the natural world.

The salamander was his totem animal, and numerous salamanders can be seen in the sculpted decorations at his residences.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Hunting was his primary passion and a major part of court life. He hunted deer, boar, and other game in the royal forests.

Francis actively participated in and organized elaborate tournaments, showcasing his chivalric ideals and martial prowess.

Francis was an enthusiastic player of jeu de paume, an early form of tennis, which was popular among the nobility.

Francis excelled in various sports and was particularly noted for his physical prowess. His height gave him an advantage in wrestling and running, both of which he excelled at. 

Francis met Henry VIII of England on June 7, 1520 at the Field of the Cloth of Gold near Calais for 18 days of lavish entertainment. During the extravagant summit, the two monarchs tried to outdo each other in displays of wealth, culture, and physical prowess. Amid the banquets, jousts, and entertainments, Henry VIII challenged Francis I to a wrestling match Francis I accepted the challenge — and quickly threw Henry to the ground, winning the match decisively. This reportedly bruised Henry’s ego, though both kings remained outwardly cordial afterward.

Image by Perplexity

SCIENCE AND MATHS Francis I's establishment of the Collège de France promoted intellectual inquiry that laid groundwork for scientific advancements. His interest in Leonardo da Vinci also brought him into contact with a mind that excelled in engineering, anatomy, and other scientific fields, though Leonardo's scientific work was not fully appreciated or disseminated during Francis's lifetime.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Francis I’s well-educated sister, Marguerite de Navarre (1492–1549), played a key role in transforming the French court into a major center of intellectual life in Europe. A devout Christian and a woman of letters, Marguerite took a keen interest in the reformist ideas of Martin Luther and John Calvin, embracing aspects of their teachings.

During Francis’s reign, Luther’s preaching and writings sparked the Protestant Reformation, which spread rapidly across Europe, including into France. While Francis initially showed a degree of tolerance toward the new movement, the French Parliament, taking advantage of his captivity in Madrid, enacted harsh anti-Lutheran measures — including a ban on French translations of the Bible.

His stance hardened significantly after the Affair of the Placards on the night of October 17, 1534, when posters denouncing the Catholic Mass appeared across Paris and even on the door of the king’s bedchamber in Amboise. Shocked and enraged, he launched a fierce crackdown: Protestants were imprisoned, executed, and in some cases, entire villages were destroyed.

After 1534, the king supported repressive measures against Protestants, including the Mérindol massacre of 1545, when  he ordered that the Vaudois (Waldensians) of the village of Mérindol be punished for heresy. Provençal and papal soldiers killed hundreds or even thousands of Waldensian villagers. This shift marked the beginning of religious repression that would escalate after his reign.

Massacre of the Waldensians of Mérindol in 1545 as imagined by Gustave Dore (1832-1883).

Despite these later persecutions, Francis I stayed devoted to Rome throughout his rule, albeit sometimes protecting a few relatives or intellectuals.

REIGN Francis I became King of France on New Year’s Day in 1515, a date that must have felt like a promising omen to him, if not to his treasurers. He would go on to reign for 32 years—an impressively long time to be in charge of a fractious, frequently bankrupt kingdom full of nobles who liked fighting almost as much as eating. Over three decades, he managed to wage wars, collect art, centralize power, dabble in overseas exploration, and flirt (sometimes literally) with both Protestant reformers and Ottoman sultans. Not bad for a man whose most famous portrait makes him look like a sleepy wine merchant in a feathered hat.

Francis is remembered best as the monarch who imported the Renaissance into France, possibly because the Italian version was having too much fun without him. He invited Italian artists northward like it was a royal Airbnb for creative geniuses, the most famous guest being Leonardo da Vinci, who brought along the Mona Lisa—probably thinking it was safer than leaving it in Italy where someone might repaint her smile. Francis filled his châteaus with art, books, and scholars, and embarked on grand architectural projects, giving France some of its most stunning landmarks, like the Louvre and the ever-enigmatic Château de Chambord. For this, they called him the “Father and Restorer of Letters,” which sounds lovely until you realize it had nothing to do with improving the postal service.

Francis’s idea of foreign policy was essentially: “Let’s go fight the Habsburgs.” The Habsburgs, unfortunately for him, had more land, more money, and more soldiers. Still, Francis had a good start—he won the Battle of Marignano in 1515 and took Milan, which must have felt terrific for about five minutes. But then things went downhill fast. In 1525, at the Battle of Pavia, he not only lost but managed to get himself captured. He spent over a year as a VIP prisoner in Spain—imagine a luxury jail with terrible food—and had to give up quite a bit of territory to go home.

Not one to hold a grudge (at least not publicly), he later shocked Europe by allying with Suleiman the Magnificent, ruler of the Ottoman Empire. This was the 16th-century equivalent of teaming up with your worst ideological enemy, which didn’t go over well in Christian Europe, but Francis, ever the Renaissance man, didn’t mind rewriting the diplomatic playbook if it served his needs.

Back home, Francis set about turning France into something more resembling a modern state. He signed the Concordat of Bologna in 1516, allowing him to handpick church officials—a neat trick if you wanted bishops who owed you favors. Then, in 1539, he issued the Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts, a bureaucratic mouthful that made French the official language of government. Goodbye Latin, hello paperwork in the vernacular.

At first, Francis was open-minded about religious reformers. His sister, Marguerite de Navarre, was a fan of thinkers like Luther and Calvin, and Francis tolerated their ideas, at least until they got too bold. That all changed in 1534, when anti-Catholic posters—cleverly inflammatory and poorly placed—were found across Paris, including one nailed to the door of the king’s own bedchamber. Unsurprisingly, Francis took this as a personal slight. He pivoted from "interested observer" to "relentless persecutor" with alarming speed. Protestants were jailed, burned, or banished. In 1545, the Massacre of Mérindol saw entire communities wiped out in a grim show of religious repression.

Despite being mostly preoccupied with Europe, Francis made time for some globe-trotting by proxy. He sponsored explorers like Giovanni da Verrazzano (who stumbled upon the future site of New York City and presumably didn’t know what to do with it) and Jacques Cartier, who explored the St. Lawrence River in Canada. These ventures didn’t make France rich overnight, but they planted the seeds of future colonial ambitions—along with, inevitably, future colonial headaches.

Francis was energetic, charming, and hopelessly extravagant. He toured his kingdom constantly, partly to connect with his people and partly to remind the nobility who was boss. He left France more centralized, more artistically vibrant, and more indebted than when he found it. Despite military defeats and a growing mountain of religious conflict, he secured a place in history as the king who turned France into a Renaissance powerhouse—and all while maintaining a truly impressive wardrobe.

POLITICS Francis I was a proponent of absolute monarchy. He firmly believed in absolutism and he intensified the policy of the previous three kings. He was the first king of France to be called "Your Majesty" – a title previously held by the Holy Roman Emperor. His administration featured the Couseil du Roi (King's Council) which specialised its activities and systematised its work, while important decisions were taken by the Conseil des Affaires which was a small inner circle around the king. 

SCANDAL While Francis I was known for his numerous mistresses, which was common for monarchs of the era, the most significant "scandal" in terms of its political and religious impact was the Affair of the Placards in 1534.  The Affair of the Placards was a major crisis when anti-Catholic posters appeared in public places and one of the posters was posted on the bedchamber door of King Francis I at Amboise, an affront and a breach of security that left him shaken. This led to a dramatic shift in his religious policies and subsequent persecutions.

MILITARY RECORD Francis I's reign (1515–1547) was dominated by his active participation in the Italian Wars, a series of conflicts primarily against the Habsburgs, led by his rival Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. His military career was marked by both brilliant victories and devastating defeats, shaping the balance of power in Renaissance Europe.

Shortly after becoming king, Francis I led a daring campaign into Italy to reclaim the Duchy of Milan, a long-held French ambition. At the Battle of Marignano (September 13–15, 1515), Francis charged at the head of his cavalry and defeated the formidable Swiss mercenaries defending Milan. This victory was celebrated across Europe and earned Francis both the city of Milan and a reputation as a chivalric warrior-king. Following the battle, he was knighted by the celebrated Bayard, symbolizing his status as "le Roi-Chevalier" (the Knight-King).

Francis I at the Battle of Marignano by Alexandre-Évariste Fragonard 

Francis's military focus remained fixed on Italy and his rivalry with Charles V. He sought to expand French influence but faced repeated setbacks. In 1521, during the Four Years' War, he was forced to abandon Milan due to advancing Imperial forces and local revolts.

Francis suffered his most crushing defeat at the Battle of Pavia on February 24, 1525. The French army was decisively beaten by Imperial troops; Francis himself fought bravely but was wounded, unhorsed, and captured. Many French nobles were killed or taken prisoner. The defeat was a turning point, leading to Francis's imprisonment in Spain and the signing of the Treaty of Madrid, in which he ceded claims to Milan and Burgundy—though he later repudiated the agreement after his release.

Despite the setback at Pavia, Francis continued to wage war against Charles V in subsequent conflicts (1526–1529, 1536–1538, 1542–1544). French forces achieved some victories, such as at the Battle of Ceresole (1544), but failed to secure lasting control over Milan or decisively weaken Habsburg power. Francis also sought alliances, most notably with the Ottoman Empire, to counterbalance Charles V.

Francis I introduced reforms to strengthen the French army, including the creation of permanent infantry units (the "Légions") and improvements in artillery. However, his reign was also marked by financial strain from the cost of constant warfare and the inability to achieve long-term strategic goals in Italy.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Francis I was known for his robust health and physical prowess in his youth, excelling in sports and military activities. However, his health deteriorated in his later years. He contracted syphilis, likely in the 1520s, which significantly impacted his health and contributed to his eventual death. He also suffered from various ailments and injuries from his active lifestyle and military campaigns.

HOMES Francis I was a prolific builder who undertook major works in his residences in the Loire Valley (Amboise, Blois) and Ile-de-France (Fontainebleau, Saint-Germain-en-Laye, the Louvre castle), and launched the construction work of the monumental Chambord Palace. Amboise was one of his favorite palaces where he stayed very regularly throughout the first part of his reign. He built or rebuilt numerous châteaus, including the Louvre in Paris and the magnificent royal residence at Fontainebleau.

Château de Chambord Photographie prise par GIRAUD Patrick. Wikipedia

TRAVEL Francis was constantly mobile, reflecting both his restless nature and his governing style. He toured France tirelessly, showing himself to people who had never seen a king. He was constantly travelling on horseback, winter and summer, whether well or ill. During his travels, Francis emptied prisons, curtailed the abuses of judicial powers by the nobles, lavished largesse on the people, and provided games and processions for them.

Francis I promoted exploration, sponsoring expeditions such as those of Giovanni da Verrazzano (who reached the present site of New York City) and Jacques Cartier (who explored the St. Lawrence River). These voyages laid the foundations for France’s colonial presence in North America

DEATH Francis I died on March 31, 1547 at the Château de Rambouillet, on the 28th birthday of his son and successor, Henry II. Reportedly, his final words reflected the burdens of kingship: “he died complaining about the weight of a crown that he had first perceived as a gift from God”.

The exact cause of his death remains debated by historians, with some sources suggesting complications from various ailments rather than syphilis as previously rumored.

The king’s heart and entrails were removed and placed in caskets, which were buried at the priory of Haute-Bruyère, near Rambouillet. His embalmed body was transported to Saint-Cloud, to the palace of the Archbishop of Paris. There, it was laid on a bed of scarlet satin in a richly decorated chamber, attended by his servants and clergy who held continuous masses and prayers. For eleven days, an effigy of Francis I was displayed in a grand hall, with ceremonial meals held in his honor. The body itself remained in an adjoining room during this period. Afterward, the effigy and those of his two deceased sons were carried in a solemn procession through Paris to Notre-Dame, and then to the Basilica of Saint-Denis, the traditional burial place of French kings. (3)

Francis I was buried on May 23, 1547 in the Basilica of Saint-Denis, near Paris, alongside his first wife, Claude, Duchess of Brittany. Their monumental tomb, commissioned by his son Henry II and completed in 1558, features life-sized effigies and detailed bas-reliefs depicting key moments of Francis’s reign, including the Battle of Marignano.

During the French Revolution, the tombs of Francis I, his wife, and other members of the royal family at Saint-Denis were desecrated on October 20, 1793. Many royal remains were removed and dumped in mass graves, though the tomb monuments themselves survived and were later restored

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Francis I of France, the quintessential Renaissance monarch, has inspired numerous portrayals:

1. Literature and Theater

Victor Hugo's Le Roi s'amuse (1832): This play features the jester Triboulet, who served at Francis's court. The character inspired Giuseppe Verdi's opera Rigoletto. 

Fanny Kemble's Francis the First (1832): A historical tragedy that dramatizes the king's reign, reflecting the 19th-century fascination with Renaissance figures. 

Laurence Sterne's Tristram Shandy: Francis I is humorously mentioned in a tale where he offers to make Switzerland the godmother of his son, leading to a comical conflict.

2. Film and Television

Early Cinema: Francis I was portrayed in early films, including a 1907 short by Georges Méliès. 

Francis the First (1937): A French historical comedy film where Aimé Simon-Girard played the titular role, blending time-travel elements with Renaissance settings. 

Ever After (1998): A retelling of Cinderella featuring Timothy West as Francis I, showcasing his court's opulence and his patronage of Leonardo da Vinci. 

The Tudors (2007–2010): Emmanuel Leconte portrayed Francis I in this Showtime series, highlighting his interactions with Henry VIII.

The Serpent Queen (2022): Colm Meaney took on the role of Francis I in this Starz series, focusing on the life of Catherine de' Medici.

3. Historical Novels

Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies: Francis I appears in these novels, providing context to the European political landscape during Henry VIII's reign.

Diane Haeger's Courtesan: Explores the life of Diane de Poitiers, with Francis I playing a significant role in the narrative. 

Samuel Shellabarger's The King's Cavalier: Depicts the cultural and political circumstances of Francis I's reign in detail.

4. Art 

Francis I has been immortalized in numerous portraits by Renaissance masters. Notable works include portraits by Jean Clouet (c. 1520-25), Joos van Cleve (c. 1532-1533), and Titian (1539). These portraits are housed in major museums including the Louvre, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the Château de Fontainebleau.

ACHIEVEMENTS Patron of the French Renaissance: His most enduring legacy. He brought Italian Renaissance art and culture to France, transforming French artistic and intellectual life.

Establishment of the Collège de France: A crucial institution for the advancement of classical studies and sciences.

Ordinance of Villers-Cotterêts (1539): Made French the official language of legal and administrative documents, a significant step in the standardization and promotion of the French language.

Centralization of Royal Power: Continued to strengthen the French monarchy, laying groundwork for future absolutism.

Expansion of Royal Library: Laid the foundation for the Bibliothèque Nationale de France.

Military Victory at Marignano: A significant early triumph that secured French prestige and control over Milan for a time.

Diplomatic Skill: Masterfully navigated complex European politics, often forming alliances to counter the powerful Habsburg Empire.

Sources (1) Upworthy (2) Encyclopaedia of Trivia (3) Writing the Renaissance