Gaston III, Count of Foix
A dazzling 14th-century Pyrenean prince, famed as much for his ruthless political cunning as for his lavish court and treatise on hunting.
1331–1391 (age 60)·French nobleman·Birthday: April 30
Biography
Gaston III, Count of Foix, styled himself 'Phoebus' after the sun god. Inheriting his titles as a child, he navigated the Hundred Years' War by playing the kings of France and England against each other to preserve his mountainous domains. His court at Orthez became a center of chivalric culture, attracting artists and musicians. His passion for hunting produced 'Le Livre de la Chasse' (The Book of the Hunt), a beautifully illustrated manuscript that became a medieval bestseller. His legacy is stained by the suspicious death of his only son, which extinguished his direct line. Gaston Phoebus was the last great independent prince of the Pyrenees.
#1 When Gaston Was Born
The biggest hits of 1331
Gaston's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1331Born
1336Started school
1344Became a teenager
1347Could drive
1349Could vote
1352Turned 21
1361Turned 30
1371Turned 40
1381Turned 50
1391Turned 60
Key Achievements
- Authored 'Le Livre de la Chasse,' a comprehensive and lavishly illustrated medieval treatise on hunting that became a standard text.
- Maintained the independence of the County of Foix through the volatile period of the Hundred Years' War through shrewd diplomacy and military strength.
- Established a culturally brilliant court at Orthez, making it a notable center of late medieval chivalric culture in Southern France.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Phoebus' (meaning 'shining' or 'brilliant') was a reference to his golden hair and radiant personality.
He died suddenly of a stroke in 1391 while washing his hands after a bear hunt, as recounted in chronicles.
The mysterious death of his only son, Gaston, possibly by poison, plunged his lineage into crisis and led to a succession dispute.
“I serve neither France nor England; I serve the interests of Foix.”
