Burgundy was founded in 1363, when John II of France gave it to his son Philip (1342-1404). Burgundy attained the height of her power under Philip the Good (1396-1467) and through marriages, inheritance, purchase and conquest, its territory was soon extended. When Philip's successor, Charles the Bold, died in 1477, Louis XI of France took Burgundy back into his empire.
Burgundy was an important cultural center of the early Renaissance. The dukes of Burgundy were patrons of both art and music. Some of the greatest artists of the time, including Jan van Eyck, were drawn into the sphere of the Burgundian court.