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Louis VI of France

Type Figure Region France Time 1081–1137 Also known as Louis the Fat

Capetian king of France (r. 1108–1137), nicknamed 'the Fat', who strengthened royal power through long campaigns against feudal lords, consolidation …

Timeline

  1. 1081–1108Paris · Île-de-FranceSon of Philip I, he was designated heir in childhood and took part in the regency; through struggles with nobles in his father's later years he gained military and administrative experience, preparing to suppress regional magnates after his accession.
  2. 1108–1137Kingdom of France · FranceAfter accession he repeatedly campaigned against overmighty lords such as Yves de Boves and Thomas de Marle, restoring royal control around Paris and along the Seine; he supported the crusade called by Urban II and maintained cooperation with the papacy. He clashed several times with Henry I of England on the Norman frontier, suffering a setback at the Battle of Brémule in 1119.
  3. 1135–1137Paris · Île-de-FranceIn his later years he entrusted more government to the heir Louis (the future Louis VII), while obesity and failing health limited his mobility; he died in 1137, by which time Capetian royal power was markedly stronger than at his accession, paving the way for the expansion of 'Louis the Great'.

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