Philip III of France

Philip III of France, known as le Hardi or the Bold, was born on April thirtieth, twelve forty-five. He ascended to the throne as King of France in twelve seventy, following the death of his father, Louis IX, during the Eighth Crusade. Philip was present in Tunis at the time and returned to France to be anointed king at Reims in twelve seventy-one.

Throughout his reign, which lasted until his death in twelve eighty-five, Philip inherited significant territories, most notably the County of Toulouse, which he annexed to the royal domain in twelve seventy-one. His diplomatic efforts culminated in the Treaty of Orléans, which expanded French influence into the Kingdom of Navarre. Additionally, after the death of his brother Peter during the war of the Sicilian Vespers, the County of Alençon was returned to the crown lands.

In the wake of the Sicilian Vespers, Philip took the lead in the Aragonese Crusade, supporting his uncle, Charles I of Naples. Although he initially achieved success, his campaign was marred by illness within his ranks, ultimately forcing him to retreat. Philip III passed away from dysentery in Perpignan in twelve eighty-five at the age of forty, leaving behind a legacy that would be continued by his son, Philip IV.