hilip II (1165-1223), better known as Philip Augustus, king of France, came to the throne in 1180. He steadily pursued a policy of consolidation, checking the great nobles, and adding fresh territory to his kingdom. Taking advantage of John’s weakness and unpopularity, he conquered Normandy in 1204, and Anjou, Touraine, and Poitou shortly afterward. The victory of Simon de Montfort over the Albigensians and their allies at Muret in 1213 ensured the final victory of the French monarchy in Languedoc. Philip strengthened and thoroughly reorganized the central and local administrative arrangements, and established a council of able officials to aid him in the government. His support and improvement of the towns was a marked feature of his reign. Paris made immense progress, and many charters were granted to other cities. On his death France was one of the great states of Europe, and the royal power was firmly established. [The Home University Encyclopedia, 1946]

Philip II (of France) (1165-1223), king of France (1180-1223), one of the most powerful European monarchs of the Middle Ages. His full name was Philip Augustus.

The son of King Louis VII, Philip was born on August 21, 1165, in Gonesse, near Paris. He became coregent with his father in 1179. From 1181 to 1186 Philip combated a coalition of barons in Flanders, Bourgogne, and Champagne and at their expense increased the royal domain. Philip allied himself with Richard, duke of Aquitaine, who in 1189 became Richard I of England, and in 1190 the two kings embarked on the Third Crusade. The kings quarreled, however, and Philip returned to France in 1191. Allied with Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI and Richard's brother, John, later king of England, Philip attacked Richard's territories in France. Richard returned in 1194 and went to war against Philip. By the time of Richard's death in 1199, Philip had been forced to surrender most of the territory he had annexed. Philip subsequently warred against John, who became king of England in 1199; between 1202 and 1205 Philip more than doubled his territory by annexing Normandy, Maine, Bretagne, Anjou, Touraine, and Poitou.

A coalition of European powers, including England, challenged the growing power of France in 1214. Philip's forces, however, decisively defeated the coalition at the Battle of Bouvines, establishing France as a leading country of Europe.

Philip increased the royal power not only by extending the royal domain but also by reducing the power of the feudal lords. He replaced the noble officers at court with an advisory council appointed from the middle class and supported the communes against the nobles. France prospered from his judicial, financial, and administrative reorganization of the government; serfdom declined, towns grew, and commerce flourished. Philip established Paris as the fixed capital of France, paved the streets, and had many new buildings constructed in the city. [Microsoft Encarta 98 Encyclopedia]

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