Question 1

True or false: Louis IX commissioned the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris to house the Crown of Thorns, which he purchased from Constantinople.

Accepted Answer

True. He paid a vast sum for the relic in 1239 and built the Gothic chapel as a grand reliquary.

Question 2

True or false: Louis IX never left France, ruling entirely from Paris.

Accepted Answer

False. He traveled extensively, including two Crusades to the Middle East and visits to various French regions.

Question 3

True or false: Louis IX died in battle during the Eighth Crusade, fighting in North Africa.

Accepted Answer

True. He died of dysentery near Tunis in 1270, not from combat wounds, but while on crusade.

Question 4

True or false: Louis IX was the first French king to wear a crown made entirely of gold.

Accepted Answer

False. French kings wore gold crowns long before him; his piety actually led him to dress simply, avoiding ostentation.

Question 5

True or false: Louis IX personally led the Seventh Crusade and was captured and ransomed by the Mamluks.

Accepted Answer

True. He was captured at the Battle of Fariskur in 1250 and held for a massive ransom, which France paid.

Question 6

True or false: Louis IX was the only French king to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Accepted Answer

True. He was canonized in 1297 for his piety, justice, and leadership during the Crusades, making him Saint Louis.

Question 7

True or false: Louis IX banned the use of torture in all French legal proceedings.

Accepted Answer

False. He actually expanded judicial torture to extract confessions, believing it served justice and truth.

Question 8

True or false: Louis IX outlawed all forms of gambling in France, including dice and card games.

Accepted Answer

True. He banned gambling in 1254 to curb sin and disorder, though it was widely ignored after his death.

Louis IX of France Trivia Questions