Bouvines 1214: Philippe Augustus and the Battle for France

A detailed look at the battle of Bouvines, which saw Philippe II of France defeat the German and English coalition forces, changing the history of Europe forever.

In early 1214, a coalition of forces led by Holy Roman Emperor Otto IV and bankrolled by King John of England was assembled to challenge France’s King Philippe Augustus. Its aim was to reclaim the empire that John had lost to Philippe over the past decade. A campaign was planned on two fronts: John’s army in Poitou and Otto’s army in northern France. The battle of Bouvines took place in Flanders in July 1214 - and it was a crushing defeat for the coalition armies. The French knights outmatched them at every turn.

Here, medieval historian James Titterton looks at how Philippe’s victory changed European history - not only did the coalition lose the lands they had hoped to reclaim, but Otto was deposed as Holy Roman Emperor and John’s position was so weakened that he was forced into issuing the Magna Carta in 1215. The Flemish leaders were captured and imprisoned and Philippe set out to expand his authority unopposed. Bouvines was one of the most significant battles in European history, helping to establish the nation of France as it is today and resulting in the brutal defeat of the coalition leaders. With stunning artwork, detailed maps and period images, this book charts the clash of European chivalry and two crowned kings on the field of battle.

Dr James Titterton is a medieval historian and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He received his PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of Leeds. He is currently a lecturer in Medieval European History at the University of Manchester.

Graham Turner is a leading historical artist, specializing in the medieval period. He has illustrated numerous titles for Osprey, covering a wide variety of subjects. Graham lives and works in Buckinghamshire, UK.