Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707) was a French military engineer and strategist who is widely regarded as one of the greatest military engineers in history. He is credited with inventing the trace italienne, a type of fortification that was widely used throughout Europe for centuries. Vauban's designs were so effective that they are still studied today by military strategists. He also served as Louis XIV's chief advisor on fortifications and war strategy, and played an important role in helping France become one of the most powerful nations in Europe.