Philip IV of France

Reign: 1285 – 1314
Life: 1268–1314

His fierce opponent Bernard Saisset, bishop of Pamiers, said of him: "He is neither man nor beast. " Philip, seeking to reduce the wealth and power of the nobility and clergy, relied instead on educated and skilful civil servants, such as Guillaume de Nogaret and Enguerrand de Marigny, to govern the kingdom. Internationally, Philip's ambitions made him highly influential in European affairs, and for much of his reign, he sought to place his relatives on foreign thrones. The war with the Flemish resulted in Philip's ultimate victory, after which he received a significant portion of Flemish cities, which were added to the crown lands along with a vast sum of money.

During Philip IV of France's reign, Denis I of Portugal ruled Portugal, Edward I of England ruled England, and Osman I ruled Ottoman Empire.

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Philip the Fair by Elizabeth Hallam

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Philip the Fair

Elizabeth Hallam

The iron king who humbled the papacy and destroyed the Templars, medieval power at its most ruthless.

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