Philip II
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Middle Ages
- Categories: Government and Politics, Royalty, Rulers, Nobility
- Subcategories: Kings, Queens, Kingdoms, Monarchy, Wars, Battles, Crusades
- Curriculum: Medieval History/Middle Ages, French History
Article abstract: Philip II, the strongest of the Capetian kings of France, greatly expanded the royal domain and created an efficient system of political administration.
Early Life
Philip II was born on August 21, 1165, in Paris, the son of King Louis VII and Adela of Champagne. Since he was Louis’ only son, his birth was received with great enthusiasm and hailed as the beginning of a new era. In his youth, however, Philip suffered from poor health and timorousness, which alarmed the king so much that in 1179 he made a pilgrimage to Saint Thomas à...
[The entire page is 2338 words long]