Having resolved to make Cesare a prince, Alexander allied himself with Louis XII.

of France, promising to annul his first marriage and to sanction his nuptials with Ann of Brittany, if he would undertake the advancement of his son.

This bribe induced Louis to create Cesare Duke of Valence and to confer on him the hand of Charlotte of Navarre.

He also entered Italy and with his arms enabled Cesare to subdue Romagna.

The system adopted by Alexander and his son in their conquests was a simple one.