Louis VII of France

Louis VII succeeded his father Louis VI as King of the Franks. His reign was marked by the expansion of royal territory through marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine, but also by conflicts with the Church and nobles.

Louis VII led the Second Crusade with his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and the German king Conrad III. The crusade was a failure, with the army suffering heavy losses in Anatolia and failing to capture Damascus. The campaign damaged Louis's prestige.

After Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II of England, Louis VII fought a series of wars against Henry over control of French territories. The conflicts were inconclusive, but they established the rivalry between the Capetian and Plantagenet dynasties.

Louis VII's marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine was annulled on grounds of consanguinity. Eleanor then married Henry II of England, bringing the vast Duchy of Aquitaine under English control and leading to centuries of conflict between France and England.

Louis VII had his son Philip II Augustus crowned as co-king to ensure the succession. This act strengthened the Capetian dynasty and ensured a smooth transition of power after Louis's death.