Background
In 1523 dissension arose between the Constable and Louise of Savoy, mother of Francis I, who made claims to some of his richest possessions in the duchy of Bourbon. In consequence the Constable began negotiations with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, and with Henry VIII, king of England. The Constable took up arms against France and besieged Marseille in 1524 without success. The following year he participated in the battle of Pavia, in which Francis I was taken prisoner by Charles V. Again appointed ruler of Milan, this time as a vassal of Charles V, the Constable, in order to feed his starving troops, declined to recognize the truce concluded between Spain and Rome. Instead he led them in the sack of Rome (May 6, 1527), during which he was killed.
