Philip IV of France

Philip IV of France

Philip IV (1268 – 29 November 1314), called Philip the Fair (French: Philippe le Bel), was King of France from 1285 until his death. A member of the Capetian dynasty, Philip was born in Fontainebleau, the second son of King Philip III (the Bold) and Isabella of Aragon. His father died in 1285, making Philip king at the age of 17. He was married to Joan I of Navarre, making him the King of Navarre by marriage, a title he used throughout his reign.

Philip IV's reign was dominated by his efforts to strengthen the monarchy and his conflicts with England and the Papacy. His dispute with Pope Boniface VIII over the taxation of the clergy led to the arrest of the Pope at Anagni in 1303, an event that shocked Christendom and led to Philip's excommunication. However, the conflict was resolved with the election of Pope Clement V, who moved the Papacy to Avignon, a period known as the Avignon Papacy.

Philip is also known for his role in the suppression of the Knights Templar, a wealthy and powerful military order. In 1307, Philip ordered the arrest of all Templars in France and their properties were seized. The Templars were charged with numerous offenses, including heresy, and their leaders were burned at the stake. The dissolution of the Templars has been the subject of much historical speculation and myth.

Philip's financial policies were innovative. He expanded the use of coinage and attempted to regulate the economy by controlling gold and silver production. His reign saw the beginning of the long process of transforming France into a centralized state. Philip also established the Estates-General in 1302, which was an early form of French parliament, though it was convened only when the king required additional funds.

Philip IV's foreign policy was marked by his conflicts with England. His marriage to Joan I of Navarre brought him into conflict with Edward I of England, who claimed parts of southwestern France. This dispute led to the War of Saint-Sardos in 1324, a precursor to the later and more significant Hundred Years' War.

Philip IV died in 1314 and was succeeded by his sons, who reigned as Louis X, Philip V, and Charles IV. His direct male line ended with the death of Charles IV, leading to the outbreak of the Hundred Years' War as the English kings, starting with Edward III of England, claimed the French throne through their descent from Philip's daughter, Isabella of France.

Philip IV's reign is often remembered for its significant impact on the structure of the French monarchy and its influence on the history of Europe. His efforts to centralize power in the monarchy laid the groundwork for the later development of the French state.