Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon facts for kids
Louis des Balbes de Berton de Crillon (born around 1541 in Murs, Provence – died December 2, 1615, in Avignon) was a very famous French soldier. People called him the "man without fear". Even King Henry IV called him the "brave of the brave" because of his incredible courage.
Louis was born in France. His family, the Balbo Bertone, had moved to Southern France from Italy a generation before he was born.
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Early Life and Military Career
Louis Crillon started his training in Avignon. Later, he trained under a famous leader named Guise of Lorraine. By 1557, when he was around 16 years old, Crillon became an officer in the army.
He quickly showed how brave he was. He fought bravely during the siege of Calais and helped capture Guînes. In 1560, he helped stop a plot called the Amboise conspiracy.
Fighting in the French Wars of Religion
Crillon was a key figure in the French Wars of Religion. These were conflicts between Catholics and Protestants (called Huguenots) in France. He fought very well in many important battles, including:
- The Battle of Dreux
- The Battle of St. Denis
- The Battle of Jarnac
- The Battle of Moncontour
Later Military Achievements
After a peace agreement in 1570, Crillon joined the Knights of Malta. These knights were a military order. He fought alongside John of Austria against the Ottoman Turks. He was part of the famous Battle of Lepanto in 1571, a huge naval battle.
Crillon was known for being honest and brave. He openly disagreed with the terrible St. Bartholomew's Day massacre, where many Protestants were killed. Later, he fought in the Siege of La Rochelle (1572-1573).
Serving Kings Henry III and Henry IV
King Henry III was very impressed by Crillon. He made Crillon the governor of Lyon. When France was at war with the Catholic League, Crillon forced the city of La Fère to surrender. He became a captain of a special guard regiment, a member of the king's council, and a top general for the infantry. In 1586, he helped take control of Provence.
Crillon was loyal but also spoke his mind. He disagreed with King Henry III's plan to kill the Duke of Guise. Even when King Henry III was weak, Crillon remained his strong supporter.
Later, Crillon became a close friend and advisor to King Henry IV. He fought alongside Henry IV in the important battle of Ivry and during the siege of Paris. He continued to show his bravery in King Henry IV's war against Spain, even commanding an army in Savoy.
Retirement and Legacy
After peace was made, Louis Crillon retired to Avignon, where he passed away in 1615.
His bravery and loyalty were remembered. The name Crillon was passed down through his family. Later, one of his descendants, Francois Felix des Balbes de Berton de Crillon, was given the special title of duke.
Two places in France were named in his honor:
- A place called Crillon in Avignon.
- A village in the Vaucluse département of Provence, which is now called Crillon-le-Brave.
