Monarchs of Europe - Philip II

Philip II, born in 1165, was the son of King Louis VII, he became king of France in 1180, when his father died.

In 1190 Philip, together with Richard I of England and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Frederick I Barbarossa, proceeded to the Third Crusade as comrades in arms, but at some point during the journey they quarreled. Philip returned to France a year later, and the French army remained in the Outremer under the command of Hugo III, the Duke of Burgundy.

Having joined the Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI and Richard's brother John, he began to demand that Richard's territories in France be his own. In 1194, after returning from the crusades, Richard set out on a new campaign, taking all the territories captured by Philip during his absence. By the time of Richard's death in 1199, most of his territory had been restored.

When, after the death of his brother, John became king of England, Philippe began the campaign for the return of lands, which Richard appropriated. Between 1201 and 1205, Normandy, Maine, Brittany, Anjou, Turin and Poitou joined Philip.

The union of European powers, including England, began to cause concern for France's growing power. In the Battle of the Buviny, the forces of Philip II inflicted a heavy defeat on the coalition forces, including the troops of Otto IV Germany. The consequence of the defeat was that Philip became one of the most influential people in Europe.

Philip immediately began to reorganize his government, creating financial stability. This allowed the country to grow and prosper. His judicial officials were deprived of most of their powers. He replaced them with a council consisting of middle-class citizens who were given the powers of the nobles removed from the council. At this time of turmoil and reorganization, cities grew, trade prospered, and Paris became the capital of France.

As Paris firmly established itself as the new capital of France, Philip II began a major restoration program, like no one has ever seen. He laid all the main roadways, built Les Halle (central market) and continued the construction of Notre Dame Cathedral, which was started in 1163 by his father Louis VII.

Philip II paid special attention to the activities of the University of Paris in 1200. The prosperity of the country led to the fact that Philip was regarded as the king of nations, which became very popular among his subjects.

Philip II died on July 14, 1223 in Mantes.