Vauban, a genius in the service of Louis XIV (1/2)

2024-02-05T04:10:04.890Z

Highlights: Vauban, a genius in the service of Louis XIV (1/2). Vauban's legacy is monumental. But what do you know about the life of the military engineer who designed all these fortifications along the French borders? In a new story in two parts, Virginie Girod takes you to the heart of the battles of the 18th century, to meet the Marquis de VaUBan! Sébastien Le Prestre de VaubAn was born among the minor nobility of Morvan in 1633, under the reign of Louis XIII.

Vauban's legacy is monumental. But what do you know about the life of the military engineer who designed all these fortifications along the French borders? In a new story in two parts, Virginie Girod takes you to the heart of the battles of the 18th century, to meet the Marquis de Vauban! Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban was born among the minor nobility of Morvan in 1633, under the reign of Louis XIII. Ten years later, Louis XIV succeeded him. The new sovereign must soon face the Fronde, a revolt of Parliament and part of the high nobility. It was in the service of the main enemy of the King of France, the Prince de Condé, that Vauban began his military career. On the battlefield, he distinguished himself for his bravery: at the siege of Sainte-Ménéhould, he went so far as to swim across a river, under fire from enemy royal troops! Taken prisoner, Vauban meets Cardinal de Mazarin, prime minister of Louis XIV. As the Fronde ended, Vauban moved into the service of the King of France, and remained there all his life. A fighting man, keen on mathematics and drawing, he specializes in poliorcetics: the art of siege. His talent earned him the attention of the young Louis Vauban is the only surviving engineer. Victories at the cost of many human lives, he no longer wants them. Convinced that with a more rational approach, the siege could have been shorter and less bloody, his vision is nevertheless contrary to the chivalric ideal which despises death. Peace never lasted long with Louis XIV, who came into conflict with the Habsburgs. Vauban will be able to revolutionize the art of war. Themes covered: siege warfare, Vauban, fortifications, Louis XIV