Philip II

views updated

Philip II ( Augustus) (1165–1223) King of France (1180–1223). Greatest of the French medieval kings, he increased the royal domain by marriage, by exploiting his feudal rights, and by war. His main rival was Henry II of England. Philip supported the rebellions of Henry's sons, fought a long war against Richard I and, during the reign of John, occupied Normandy and Anjou. English efforts to regain these lands were defeated at Bouvines in 1214. Philip persecuted Jews and Christian heretics, joined the Third Crusade but swiftly withdrew, and opened the Crusade against the Albigenses in s France.

More From encyclopedia.com