France

French people and events during the European Middle Ages.

Philip V of France

Philip V of France was born in 1293 to King Philip IV and Queen Joan. As the couple’s second son, Prince Philip wasn’t expected to inherit the French throne. Instead, it would go to his elder brother, Louis. Despite his standing, the king gave his son political power as the Count of Poitiers in 1311. Until the age of 21, […]

Louis X of France

Louis X of France was born on October 4, 1289, to King Philip IV and Queen Joan of Navarre. Philip idolized his grandfather, Louis IX, and named his eldest son in his honor. During his reign, the king became known for his iron will. Philip brought about the downfall of the Templar Order, won a power struggle against Pope Boniface […]

Philip III of France

On April 3, 1245, Philip III of France was born to King Louis IX and Queen Margaret in Poissy, France. As the king’s second son, Philip wasn’t intended to inherit the French throne. However, upon his older brother Louis’s death in 1260, the prince became the new heir. During his reign, King Louis had gained a reputation as a respected […]

The Battle of Crecy

The Battle of Crecy originated on February 1, 1328, with King Charles IV of France’s death. Since the king died without leaving behind a son, the Capetian dynasty ended. As a result, the question of succession arose amongst the French. After much debate, the succession came down to Philip of Valois and King Edward III of England. Philip of Valois […]

Philip I of France

Philip I of France was born in 1052 to Capetian King Henry I of France and Queen Anne of Kiev. Upon his birth, Anne chose to name her son Philip, an unusual name in Western Europe at the time. On May 23, 1059, King Henry had his seven-year-old son crowned as co-king in Reims. The early Capetian kings utilized this […]