William III, Duke of Aquitaine

William III, known as Towhead due to his hair color, was born in Poitiers in 913. He became the Count of Poitiers in 935 and later assumed the title of Count of Auvergne in 950. His claim to the Duchy of Aquitaine was recognized by the royal chancery in 962, a year before his death.

William faced conflicts with Louis IV and Lothair of France, particularly after King Rudolph's death in 936. He ceded land to Hugh the Great but later defeated Hugh and Louis when they attempted to conquer Aquitaine. William reconciled with Lothair after Hugh's death, and Hugh Capet, Hugh's son, did not pursue the ducal title.

William III died on 3 April 963 in Saint-Maixent-l'École and was buried at Abbaye Saint-Cyprien de Poitiers. He was succeeded by his son, William IV.