Philip the Bold
Philip the Bold, also known as Philippe le Hardi, was the first Duke of Burgundy from the House of Valois. He was born on January 17, 1342, in Pontoise, France, and died on April 27, 1404, in Halle, now part of Belgium. Here are key details about his life:
Early Life and Lineage
Marriage and Titles
Role in the Hundred Years' War
- Philip played a key role during the early stages of the Hundred Years' War. He was captured by the English at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, alongside his father.
- After his release, Philip was instrumental in negotiating peace treaties, including the Treaty of Bretigny in 1360.
Political and Cultural Influence
- Philip is noted for his patronage of the arts, significantly contributing to the Flemish Primitives movement in painting.
- He commissioned the Chartreuse de Champmol in Dijon, which became a center for art and culture in Burgundy.
- His court was one of the richest in Europe, fostering a cultural Renaissance that predated the Italian Renaissance.
Later Life and Legacy
- Philip's reign saw the consolidation of Burgundian power, laying the groundwork for the future expansion of the Burgundian State under his son John the Fearless.
- He died without a male heir from his marriage to Margaret, leading to disputes over his territories, which were eventually resolved in favor of his daughter, Margaret of Burgundy, and his granddaughter, Margaret III.
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