Louis VI, called “The Fat,” became King of France upon the death of his father in 1108. Almost his entire reign was spent in subduing the robber barons, who preyed on the environs of Paris but were finally forced to yield to Royal authority. For some 20 years, during the period from 1109 to 1135, Louis waged war against King Henry I of England, and against Henry’s son-in-law, Holy Roman Emperor Henry V. In 1124, Louis successfully repelled an invasion of France by Henry V.

Louis greatly strengthened the Royal power in France, granted benefactions to the Church and special privileges to towns, and became known as the protector of the peasants and as a fearless military leader.