Philip IV of France, also known as Philip the Fair, was King of France from 1285 until his death in 1314. Born on June 8, 1268, in Fontainebleau, he was the second son of Philip III of France and Isabella of Aragon. Here are some key aspects of his life and reign:
Philip's early life was marked by education typical for a royal prince of the time, with emphasis on governance, military strategy, and administration. Upon the death of his elder brother Louis, Philip became the heir apparent. He ascended to the throne at the age of 17 following his father's death, and his reign began on October 5, 1285.
Philip IV was known for his efforts to centralize and strengthen royal authority. He sought to reduce the power of feudal lords and the church, which included conflicts with the Papacy. His reign saw the issuance of the Ordonnances de Philip le Bel, which were royal decrees aimed at organizing and regulating various aspects of governance, including justice and taxation.
One of the most notable episodes of his reign was his conflict with Pope Boniface VIII. Philip's assertion of royal power over the church culminated in the arrest of Boniface in 1303, leading to the Babylonian Captivity of the Papacy when the papacy was moved to Avignon from 1309 to 1376 under French influence.
Philip IV is infamous for the suppression of the Knights Templar. In 1307, he ordered the arrest of all Templars in France, charging them with various crimes including heresy. The order was eventually dissolved by Pope Clement V, with many of its members tortured and executed, and their wealth confiscated by the French crown.
Philip's financial measures included devaluing the currency to fund his wars, which led to economic instability. He also introduced new taxes and increased existing ones, which were met with resistance, leading to events like the Shepherds' Crusade of 1320.
Philip IV died on November 29, 1314, in Fontainebleau. His reign left a mixed legacy; while he centralized power and expanded the royal domain, his financial policies and conflicts with the church and nobility had long-lasting repercussions. His death was followed by a succession crisis which contributed to the Hundred Years' War.