Profession: King of France
Biography: Louis XIII, sometimes called Louis the Just, became King of France in 1610 upon the assassination of his father, Henry IV. He ruled until his death in 1643, although until 1617 his mother—Marie de' Medici—ruled in his stead as he was only eight at the time of his father's death.
Though Louis was still yet young in 1617, his mother's rule had been characterised by mismanagement and harmful intrigues. Hence Louis took power and executed her followers. Perhaps as a result, Louis' reign was characterised by his suspiciousness; he relied on trusted advisers: first Charles d'Albert, then Cardinal Richelieu.
Louis' reign is known for his putting an end, with the aid of Cardinal Richelieu, to the revolt of French nobility; hence assuring the certain rule of the monarchy. Together they besieged the castles of any defiant lords and firmly established a royal monopoly on violence—outlawing duels, private armies, etc.
Born: September 27, 1601
Birthplace: Palace of Fontainebleau, Fontainebleau, France
Star Sign: Libra
Articles and Photos
Historical Events
- 1610-05-15 Parliament of Paris appoints Louis XIII (8) as French King
- 1614-10-02 French King Louis XIII declared an adult at 13
- 1620-08-07 Battle at Ponts-the-Ce, Poitou: French king Louis XIII defeats his mother Marie de Medici
- 1620-12-25 French Huguenots declare their intention to create a "state within the state" at a gathering in La Rochelle
- 1622-09-05 Bishop Richelieu appointed Cardinal under French King Louis XIII
- 1622-10-18 French King Louis XIII and leader of the Huguenots Duke Henry II of Rohan sign the Treaty of Montpellier ending hostilities
- 1624-08-13 Cardinal Richelieu appointed Chief Minister of France by Louis XIII
- 1628-11-01 French King Louis XIII occupies La Rochelle
- 1632-09-01 Battle at Castelnaudary: Henri de Montmorency's rebel army loses to French royalist forces loyal to Louis XIII
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