King Louis VIII of France

Louis VIII, nicknamed The Lion, was born on 5 September 1187 in Paris, France. As a prince, he invaded England on 21 May 1216 and was excommunicated shortly after. He was proclaimed "King of England" by rebellious barons but was never crowned and eventually defeated, leading to the Treaty of Lambeth.

Upon succeeding his father, Philip II, on 14 July 1223, Louis VIII was crowned on 6 August 1223 at Reims Cathedral. He led campaigns against the Angevin Empire, capturing Poitou, Saintonge, and La Rochelle. His ordinance against Jewish usury led to the establishment of Lombard moneylenders in Paris.

Louis VIII died at the age of 39 from dysentery on 8 November 1226 at Château de Montpensier, France, and was buried at Saint Denis Basilica. He was succeeded by his son, Louis IX.