Louis IX Flashcards
When had the nucleus of royal administration in France taken shape?
The “nucleus” of a royal administration had already been constructed by the time Louis IX took the throne in 1226, under the direction of his grandfather Philip Augustus
What was a constant military threat in the state?
Even as Louis IX succeeded to the throne, his kingdom was immersed in the Albigensian crusade, and violent unrest continued in the south throughout the 1240s.
What was remarkable about Louis IX?
Very typical medieval king, but in the way he pushed the attributes of Kingship, became very unusual and extraordinary. Kings do not usually become Saints, but Louis was singled out for such a status even before death.
List the Capetian kings
* Philip II Augustus (1180-1223) - important to St Louis * Louis VIII (1223-1226) - came to throne at advanced age and died quickly * Louis IX, Saint Louis (1226-1270) * Philip III the Bold (1270-1285) * Philip IV the Fair (1285-1314)
What defined Louis’ rulership?
Piety - deeply religious individual - defined his kingship
What made people uncomfortable about Louis?
His helping of the poor -washing their feet - was seen as too pious. This was followed up by wearing poor clothes - he was seen by some to be pushing it too far
Name some key life events for Louis IX
- Born in 1214
- Became king at 12
- Reign: 1226-1270
- Until 1234: official regency of Blanche of Castile, his mother
- 1242: end of troubles with aristocracy, end of Blanche’s reign
- 1248, departure to crusade - goes to Egypt for 6 years - secure in own power, as he left for a long time - left power to mother, when she died, he returned in 1253
What was the economic status of the 13th century?
13th Century in Europe was a time of growth - people felt they were living well - retrospectively seen as golden days - lot of disposable income
What threat did the Plantagenet dynasty present at this moment in time?
60 years prior, the Plantagenet threat (late 1150s) - just before Philip - the ruler of the West was the King of England - actual france was a smaller region. The threat of the Plantagenet dynasty was serious. Rolled back by Philip. By this point, the King only maintained the Duche De Guyenne
How were Louis’ first few years in office?
Louis had a bumpy first few years as a child king - there were boughts of rebellion - but this was tackled by Blanche
What made the perfect king?
Perfect King:
- Kingdom at peace
- (war was also important)
- economy was going well
- population growing
- good looking and handsome - God wished him well indication - meant to do great things
- Loving relationship with wife - atypical
- Good father - written teachings for his sons
What was important to display as a king?
Display of devotion to religion great - self confession, mortifying himself, supporting the poor
In 1256-7, how much of Louis’ income was given to the poor?
In 1256-1257 - Louis gave away 10% of his household income to the poor
What was an additional method of demonstrating piety during the period, poor aside?
Another symbol of piety was the acquisition of relics - especially those to do with Christ - anything to do with things from the Passion of Christ - a lot of this relics were in Constantinople (modern day Istanbul)
What relic did Louis secure?
Louis bought the holiest relic of all - the Crown of Thorns - bought in 1239, alongside the largest available piece of the Cross - these were kept in the ‘Holy Chapel’ - shaped like a box - the Magi reliquary - a church-sized box - hardly any walls - mostly stained glass - complete masterpiece - this is what was expected of a King
What was the downside of Louis’ religious fervour?
The downside of his piety was the fact he was ruthless with nonconformists - heretics (Cathors - Southern France and Northern Italy) - Louis VIII crusaded against these. Louis IX was the most harsh against these - largest during ever in Montsegurl 1242
How did Louis deal with Jewish populations?
Additionally, the Jews - rising anti-Semitism (Jews expelled from England in 1290 too though mind you) - were barred from money lending (staple in business), demanded that the Jews wore a symbol denoting their religion
What was to be put on trial under Louis?
The Talmud
Were crusades popular in the 13th century?
No, not as much as they had been two centuries prior
What were Louis’ ambitions in his campaign to Eygpt?
The Egyptian King owned Jerusalem - take the King, take Jerusalem
When did the Seventh Crusade begin, and how long did it last?
Started in 1248, and continued for six years.
What does the longevity of Louis’ departure from France indicate
The strength and relative stability of the Capetian monarchy - particularly under the continued rule of Blanche
How successful was the campaign?
Initially successful, capturing a port in 1249, however with the battle of Al Mansurah, Louis lost the ground he had gained, and was imprisioned.
When did Blanche die?
1253