Étienne Marcel

Étienne Marcel (between 1302 and 1310 – 31 July 1358) was provost of the merchants of Paris under King John II of France, called John the Good (Jean le Bon). He distinguished himself in the defence of the small craftsmen and guildsmen who made up most of the city population.

As a delegate of the Third Estate, he played an important role in the general assemblies held during the Hundred Years' War. In 1357, he found himself at the head of a movement that tried to establish a reformed French monarchy, restraining the royal power and improving decision making. During the Jacquerie peasant rebellion, he supported King Charles II of Navarre over the Dauphin Charles. He was killed while trying to open the gates of the capital to the army of mercenaries who were allied with Charles, King of Navarre.