King Louis IX died at Tunis in 1270 during the Eighth Crusade. The French king landed with his army near Carthage, close to Tunis, but the expedition was soon devastated by disease rather than by a major battle.
Louis had chosen Tunisia as the opening target of his second crusade, apparently believing that its Hafsid ruler might convert to Christianity or provide political advantages. The expedition reached North Africa in July 1270 and established a camp while waiting for the arrival of Louis's brother, Charles of Anjou. Heat, poor sanitation, contaminated supplies and epidemic illness quickly weakened the army.
Louis died on 25 August 1270, traditionally identified as a victim of dysentery. Because he died at the expedition's base near Tunis, the location is often described simply as Tunis, although the landing and camp were near Carthage. His death ended the crusade's original purpose. A treaty was later negotiated with the Hafsid ruler, and the surviving Crusaders withdrew. Louis's son Philip III succeeded him as king of France.