Here's a breakdown:
* The Angevin Dynasty: Charles VIII descended from the House of Valois, but he also had a claim through his grandmother, Mary of Anjou. Mary was the daughter of René of Anjou, who had been King of Naples in the 15th century.
* The Neapolitan Succession: The Angevin dynasty had ruled Naples for a while, but the throne had been passed to Ferdinand I of Aragon after the death of King Alfonso of Naples, the last Angevin king.
* A Distant Claim: Charles VIII's claim was based on the idea that he was a distant heir to the Angevin throne. However, this claim was weak and disputed, as many years had passed and there were other claimants to the throne.
* Political Ambitions: Charles VIII saw the Italian peninsula as a strategic prize, a stepping stone to further expansion. The weakness of the Italian states and the ongoing internal conflicts within Italy made it seem like a ripe opportunity.
* The "French Invasion" of Italy: In 1494, Charles VIII launched his "Italian Expedition," which was primarily fueled by his desire to conquer Naples and secure his claim to the throne. This invasion was one of the key events that triggered the Italian Wars which lasted for almost half a century.
However, it's important to note that:
* Charles VIII's claim to Naples was weak and debatable, and he had limited support within Naples itself.
* The invasion was more about political ambition and opportunism than a genuine attempt to restore the Angevin dynasty.
* The invasion was a major turning point in European history, as it led to a series of conflicts and the rise of new powers in Europe.
In conclusion, Charles VIII's claim to the Kingdom of Naples was primarily based on a distant dynastic tie, opportunism, and a strategic desire to expand French influence rather than a strong, legitimate claim.