Michel Le Tellier

Michel Le Tellier (1603–1685) was the French statesman who built Louis XIV's army. Born in Paris, he became maître des requêtes in 1631 and intendant of justice for the French army in Piedmont in 1640. Through Cardinal Mazarin's favour he became Secretary of State for War in 1643, remaining loyal to Mazarin through the Fronde.

Over three decades he and his son Louvois turned the royal armies into a disciplined professional force. As Chancellor from 1677 he strengthened royal authority over military appointments and discipline, and in 1679 restored the teaching of civil law at the University of Paris.

A fierce enemy of the Huguenots, he helped persuade the king to revoke the Edict of Nantes and died at Versailles in 1685, days after signing it.