Philip VI of France

Reign: 1328 – 1350
Life: 1293–1350

Philip's reign was dominated by the consequences of a succession dispute. After initial successes at sea, Philip's navy was annihilated at the Battle of Sluys in 1340, ensuring that the war would occur on the continent. The English took another decisive advantage at the Battle of Crécy (1346), while the Black Death struck France, further destabilising the country. In 1349, Philip bought the Dauphiné of Viennois, a county in the Kingdom of Burgundy (Arles), under the suzerainty of the Holy Roman Empire, thus expanding the French influence beyond the river Rhône.

During Philip VI of France's reign, Edward III of England ruled England, Afonso IV of Portugal ruled Portugal, and Orhan ruled Ottoman Empire.

Want to learn more? Further reading

The Cambridge Illustrated History of France by Colin Jones

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The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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