The Tree of Europe · Person

Armand Jean du Plessis

Cardinal and chief minister of Louis XIII from 1624. He strengthened the authority of the French monarchy and challenged Habsburg predominance in Europe through domestic reforms, diplomacy and war.

1585 – 1642Cardinal / Minister

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Biography

Life of Armand Jean du Plessis

From Luçon to the royal council

Armand Jean du Plessis was born in 1585. He became Bishop of Luçon in 1607 and entered court politics under Marie de’ Medici’s patronage. A cardinal from 1622, he joined Louis XIII’s council in 1624. His influence depended on the king’s confidence and a network of collaborators, including Father Joseph.

References: National Gallery · Armand-Jean du Plessis, duc de Richelieu · University of Toronto · Cardinal de Richelieu

The monarchy and European war

He suppressed rebellions by the great nobility and reduced Huguenot military power after La Rochelle surrendered in 1628. Abroad, he supported the Habsburgs’ opponents and brought France into open war against Spain in 1635. He was also a patron of the arts and protector of the Académie française. He died in 1642, shortly before Louis XIII.

References: National Gallery · Armand-Jean du Plessis, duc de Richelieu · University of Toronto · Cardinal de Richelieu

This complete profile is available in English. Bibliographic titles retain their original language. Links marked ES open the Spanish edition.

Historical profile

Key details

Birth: 1585 Pending review

Death: 1642 Pending review

Role: Cardinal / Minister

Other recorded names: Richelieu · Cardenal Richelieu · Cardenal de Richelieu · Armand-Jean du Plessis de Richelieu

Territories: France (ES)

Family network

Recorded relationships

No direct relationships are recorded for this person.

Documentation

Sources for this profile

Biographical and contextual references in their original language. Sources and methodology.

Evidence for this profile

2 recorded claims · 2 without a claim-specific source. Context references do not by themselves verify every fact.

Dates (0/2 with a precise source)

BirthPending review
1585
A precise source has not yet been added.
No individual review recorded ·
DeathPending review
1642
A precise source has not yet been added.
No individual review recorded ·

Biographical and contextual references (2)

Editorial history

2026-10-12 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-10-08 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-10-04 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-10-04 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-10-03 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.
2026-09-30 · The duchy is limited to Dijon and Autun; each other fief now enters the map only under its dated ruler. John III of Namur and the Nevers/Rethel branch were added. The previous shape combined later counties and unrelated lands as if all belonged to the duchy from 1363.
2026-09-28 · Claim registry added; existing historical data kept. Specific sourcing remains to be reviewed.