The Battle of King Philip II Augustus of France

King Philip II Augustus of France wasn’t by any means a physically strong individual, but his strengths lay in his grasp of both political and military strategy. He was almost constantly involved in wars from 1180 to 1215. He was fighting his vassals, other kings, both of them together, it didn’t matter; Philip would use political treachery and military tactics to defeat his opponents. When one looks at Philip’s life they notice almost instantly that Philip was constantly fighting someone from the day he became King, to the day he died.

Philip was born in Gonesse on August 21st of 1165, his father Louis was determined to have Philip succeed him on the throne; as such Philip was raised with all the training necessary to become a king, he was taught in the ways of politics and war (Smedley 52). All was going to plan until Philip turned thirteen, on a royal hunt; he was separated from his companions and became lost in a forest. He spent hours attempting to find a way out, until he was exhausted by the cold and hunger. Eventually a peasant found him; but this event had caused him to become extremely ill, he contracted a dangerously high fever. His father Louis VII distraught by his son’s illness undertook a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Thomas Becket, in order to pray for his son’s recovery (Smedley 55). He was told that his son had finally recovered, and began his journey back to Paris. On the return journey he suffered a terrible stroke; this began the decline of his health, and eventually leads to his death (Smedley 55).

Knowing that his health was declining and that he would not be able to lead for much longer, he understood that if he wanted to have Philip succeed him he must act quickly as there were parties at play that w...

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...cture, but to anticipate future moves. He deviated from the traditional methods of viewing war as a game of chess, but understood that more elements could be utilized. Through his military history we see wonderful examples of him using rebellions and political means to destabilize military operations of his opponents. He was truly a master of psychological, political, and traditional warfare, and quite possible one of the finest political and military strategists of the Middle Ages.

Works Cited

The New Encyclopaedia Britannica. Chicago: Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2007. Print.

Rees, Simon. "King Richard I of England Versus King Philip II Augustus." Military History Magazine Sept. 2006: 1-5. Print.

Smedley, Edward. The History of France, from the Final Partition of the Empire of Charlemagne to the Peace of Cambray. London: Baldwin and Cradock, 1836. Print.