Who was Philip II of France? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Philip Augustus, Philip II

Died At Age: 57

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Agnes of Merania, Ingeborg of Denmark, Isabella of Hainault, Queen of France

mother: Adela of Champagne

siblings: Agnes of France, Alys of France, Byzantine Empress, Countess of the Vexin, Margaret of France, Queen of England and Hungary

children: Count of Boulogne, Duchess of Brabant, Isabella of Hainault, Louis VIII of France, Marie of France, Peter Karlotus, Philip I

Born Country: France

Emperors & Kings French Men

Died on: July 14, 1223

place of death: Mantes-la-Jolie, France

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1

What were Philip II of France's major accomplishments during his reign?

Philip II of France, also known as Philip Augustus, achieved several significant accomplishments during his reign from 1180 to 1223. He successfully expanded the royal domain by seizing territories from his vassals and rival nobles, including Normandy, Maine, Anjou, and parts of Aquitaine. Philip also played a key role in the Third Crusade and managed to strengthen the monarchy's power and centralize the administration of the kingdom.
2

How did Philip II of France contribute to the development of Paris?

Philip II of France made significant contributions to the development and expansion of Paris during his reign. He initiated various urban planning projects, including the construction of city walls, bridges, and public buildings. Philip also established markets, implemented regulations to improve hygiene, and promoted economic growth in the burgeoning capital.
3

What role did Philip II of France play in the conflict between King Richard I of England and Emperor Henry VI?

Philip II of France played a strategic role in the conflict between King Richard I of England and Emperor Henry VI by forming alliances and pursuing diplomatic maneuvers to advance his own interests. Philip supported Richard's brother John in his claim to the English throne, which ultimately weakened Richard's position and influenced the outcome of the power struggle between the English and German rulers.
4

How did Philip II of France handle the challenge of the Albigensian Crusade?

Philip II of France played a complex role in the Albigensian Crusade, a military campaign against the Cathar heresy in southern France. While initially supporting the crusade launched by Pope Innocent III, Philip later shifted his alliances and policies to protect his own territorial and political interests. He ultimately negotiated a settlement with the Cathars and their supporters to maintain stability in the region.
5

What impact did Philip II of France have on the legal system and governance of the kingdom?

Philip II of France significantly influenced the legal system and governance of the kingdom by implementing reforms to centralize authority and enhance the king's control over his subjects. He established royal courts, introduced a system of bailiffs to administer justice, and standardized legal procedures. Philip's efforts laid the foundation for the growth of royal power and the emergence of a more centralized and efficient government in medieval France.

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Childhood & Early Life

Philip II was born on August 21, 1165, to King Louis VII, and his third wife, Adèle de Champagne in Gonesse, France. Since he was the first son born very late in his father’s life, he was nicknamed ‘Dieudonné’ (God-given).

In November 1179, when he was 14, his father crowned him as the king.

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Career

In 1181, Philip II of France waged a war with his vassal, the ‘Count of Flanders’, by fracturing his relations with his allies, and took back the crown lands under their control. Thus, he was honored with the epithet ‘Philip Augustus’.

In 1182, he enriched his coffers and expanded his demesne by expelling all Jews from his lands and confiscating their wares.

In 1184, he vanquished the count, Stephen I, Count of Sancerre, and acquired his lands too.

From 1186-88, Philip II of France fought a war with Henry II of England, who had extensive land holdings in France. When the war failed to yield results, he incited his sons, ‘Richard the Lionheart’ (Richard I of England) and John Lackland, into rebellion against their father, thus defeating him.

In 1189, he fought side-by-side with Richard and the Holy Roman Emperor during the ‘Third Crusades’. But an illness and disagreement with Richard put a damper on his spirits. He returned to France to protect his lands and continued the Franco-English wars.

From 1191 to 1199, he fought with Richard when the latter broke the betrothal to his sister, Alys, and refused to return the dowry land. During this period of conflict, he tried to continually but unsuccessfully capture lands under Richard’s control.

In 1200, after Richard’s death, he signed the ‘Treaty of Le Goulet’ and also confirmed his eldest son, Louis VIII of France's marriage with John's niece Blanche, hoping to end the war, but that did not happen.

In 1200, John's mismanagement of Aquitaine led to a rebellion, which Phillip secretly encouraged. By 1204, Phillip had acquired most of Normandy and the Angevin lands. This gave rise to the 12-year ‘Anglo-French War’.

In 1214, he defeated an Allied army consisting of the crown of England, Germans and Flemish rivals at the ’Battle of Bouvines’. This victory made him the unchallenged ruler of France and forced John of England to sign the ‘Magna Carta’ treaty, which had a lasting impact on European politics.

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From 1215 to 1222, he passively supported the ‘Albigensian Crusade’ and helped in bringing about an end to the ‘War of Succession’ in Champagne.

Major Works

During his reign, he advanced the construction of Gothic Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral; built, Les Halles, a central market, and the Louvre; and paved the main roads of Paris.

In 1200, the ‘University of Paris’ received a charter from him.

He introduced a centralized administration and tax collection system, and created salaried administrative staff to supervise local reforms. Thus, he protected the people from feudal lords and barons, and increased direct control of expanded territories.

Family & Personal Life

In 1180, Philip II of France married Isabelle of Hainaut, with a dowry of the County of Artois, but refused to accept her on the grounds that she could not give him an heir.

In 1187, his son, Louis, was born through Isabelle.

In 1190, Isabelle died giving birth to his twin sons, Robert and Philip, who also died within four days.

In 1193, he married Ingeborg of Denmark. Somehow being repelled by her, he refused accept her as his queen. He tried to nullify the marriage stating various reasons, including the non-consummation of marriage, which Ingeborg denied.

In 1196, he took a third wife, Agnes of Merania. But Pope Innocent III nullified the marriage since Philip was still married to Ingeborg.

In 1198, Agnes gave birth to his daughter, Marie.

In 1200, he reluctantly accepted Ingeborg as his queen. His son, Philippe, from Agnes, was born that year, but Agnes was exiled from court, stripped of her status and died a year later.

On July 14, 1223, he died at Mantes-la-Jolie, France, and was buried at the Basilica of Saint-Denis.

Facts About Philip II of France

Philip II of France was known for his love of falconry and often spent his leisure time hunting with his prized birds of prey.

Despite being a formidable military leader, Philip II was also a patron of the arts and supported the development of Gothic architecture in France.

Philip II was a skilled diplomat and negotiator, known for his ability to navigate complex political situations and forge alliances with other European powers.

He was a devout Christian and actively supported the Church, overseeing the construction of several important religious buildings during his reign.

Philip II was a keen strategist and innovator in warfare, implementing new tactics and technologies to enhance the effectiveness of his armies.

Philip II of France Biography

You wanted to know

What were Philip II of France's major accomplishments during his reign?

How did Philip II of France contribute to the development of Paris?

What role did Philip II of France play in the conflict between King Richard I of England and Emperor Henry VI?

How did Philip II of France handle the challenge of the Albigensian Crusade?

What impact did Philip II of France have on the legal system and governance of the kingdom?