Following the relative success of Charlemagne-class battleships, a decision was made to build “improved” Charlemagne-type ships and Iéna was the first of these to be designed and constructed. Laid down in January 1898 she was launched later that year and completed in 1902. This was extremely fast for the French Navy and Ministry that changed often and for long periods suffered from the effects of the “jeune école” (Young/New School) who considered all battleships as fat targets for torpedoes. She was 26 feet longer and about two feet beamier than Charlemagne and carried an increased armor belt.

     Iéna seemed to be a well liked ship although there seem to have been comments that she rolled and pitched rather too much. Descriptions from her captain indicate on the other hand that she steered easily and was comfortable in a seaway.

Following her completion and trials at the port of Brest, Iéna travelled to Toulon where she spent her career as part of the Mediterranean Fleet. She was reported to have an excellent, possibly even “crack” crew who felt high morale.

Thus, when Iéna was put into dry dock at Toulon on March 2, 1907, unloading of ammunition began in accordance with standing Government directives. Despite this, on Tuesday, March 12^th, ammunition began spontaneously detonating in the aft bunkers at 1:35 in the afternoon. A series of detonations continued from then until 2:25 and left the ship burned and damaged from just aft of the bridge to the stern of the ship. Her commander, Adigard and 200 crew and dockyard workers died in the explosions and fire.