Sébastien Le Prestre, Marquis of Vauban (May 1633 – 30 March 1707) was a French Royal Army officer who served under Louis XIV. One of the most important military engineers in European history, his defensive principles remained in use for nearly 100 years after his death, while aspects of his offensive tactics were employed into the 20th century.
Viewing civilian infrastructure as closely connected to military effectiveness, Vauban upgraded many of France's major ports, as well as new projects like the Canal de la Bruche, which is still in use today. He founded the Corps royal des ingénieurs militaires, whose curriculum was based on his own principles of design, strategy and training.