King Louis XIII was the King of France from 1610 until his death in 1643. He ascended to the throne at a young age after the assassination of his father, Henry IV. His reign was marked by the strengthening of royal power and the influence of his chief minister, Cardinal Richelieu, who played a crucial role in centralizing the French state. Despite facing challenges such as the Thirty Years' War and internal conflicts, Louis XIII's leadership helped lay the groundwork for the future expansion of France. His legacy includes the establishment of a more absolute monarchy and significant cultural developments during his reign.