1214-1270 French king and crusader, Louis was the son of King Louis VIII and his wife, Queen Blanche of Castille. Although fourth in line, the deaths of three of his brothers made Louis heir to the throne. When his father died in 1226, Louis IX became...

Louis IX (25 April 1214 – 25 August 1270), commonly Saint Louis, was King of France from 1226 to his death. He was also Count of Artois (as Louis II) from 1226 to 1237. Born at Poissy, near Paris, he was a member of the House of Capet and the son of...

The death of Louis IX of France in 1270 marked the end of the era of great international crusades. His crusades failed to win the Holy Land for Christians but profoundly impacted France and Western Europe. Louis won a reputation as the ideal Christian...

In the course of the thirteenth century, the crusade movement underwent significant changes. Its focus expanded beyond military expeditions against the Muslims as it came increasingly to be employed for political purposes and in defense of the faith. Increasingly, leadership of major crusading expeditions...

Details the achievements of French King Louis IX. Describes his role as international arbiter for other countries, and peacemaker in his own. Examines his moral leadership and role in the Crusades.