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Philip II's Campaign to Recover Normandy, 1214
In 1214 Philip II launched a decisive campaign against England's John and his allies, culminating in the great victory at Bouvines on 27 July, shatte…
Timeline
- 1214Paris · Île-de-FranceEngland's King John, Holy Roman Emperor Otto IV, and numerous Flemish and Boulogne nobles formed an anti-French alliance, attempting to force Philip II to abandon control of Normandy and other lands. Philip assembled his army in Paris, ready to meet the challenge.
- 1214Near Lille · FlandersPhilip II led the French army north into Flanders, facing the coalition forces commanded by Otto IV. The French king divided his forces to pin down the enemy while preparing the main body for a decisive battle; the English forces in Normandy failed to coordinate effectively.
- 1214Bouvines · BouvinesAt the Battle of Bouvines the French army decisively defeated Otto IV's coalition; Count Ferdinand of Flanders was captured and Count Renaud of Boulogne was killed. The battle completely shattered King John's hopes of recovering Normandy and Anjou and consolidated Philip II's hegemony on the continent.
Sources
- The Battle of Bouvines, 27 July 1214 — Georges Duby (1985)
- Philip Augustus: King of France 1180–1223 — Jim Bradbury (1998)