21 August 1165 - 14 July 1223
House: Capet
Titles: King of the Franks, King of France
Philip II, also known as Philip Augustus, was King of France from 1180 until his death in 1223. He was the son of King Louis VII and Adela of Champagne. Initially nicknamed Dieudonné, he was the first French monarch to style himself ‘King of France’ from 1190. Chronicler Rigord gave him the epithet ‘Augustus’ for his significant expansion of French crown lands.
Philip’s reign saw the end of the Angevin Empire with his victory at the Battle of Bouvines in 1214, which had profound effects on European politics. He enhanced the prosperity and power of France, reformed government and financial stability, and built the Wall of Philip II Augustus around Paris. His reign also saw a shift in the treatment of Jews in France and significant territorial disputes and expansions.
Death: Died at the age of 57 in Mantes-la-Jolie, France, and was buried at the Basilica of St Denis.
Reign: 42 years and 269 days
Children: Louis VIII, Marie, Philip I, Pierre (ill.)
Marriages: Isabella of Hainault, Ingeborg of Denmark, Agnes of Merania
Parents: Louis VII of France and Adela of Champagne