1165–1223 · King of France and leader of the Third Crusade
Philip Augustus
Other names · Philip II Augustus
Philip Augustus (1165–1223) — King of France and leader of the Third Crusade. This dossier combines the biographical record with dated events and the listed primary and secondary sources.
BIOGRAPHICAL DOSSIER
Life and historical role
Life and political setting
Philip became king of France in 1180 and concentrated on enlarging the royal domain of the Capetian monarchy. His relationship with Richard combined alliance and rivalry. The two rulers agreed to travel east together in 1190, but their unresolved interests in France continued to shape cooperation during the expedition.
Career during the Crusading era
Philip took part in the final stage of the siege of Acre, which ended with the city's surrender in July 1191. Citing illness and the Flemish succession, he returned to France soon afterwards. He left part of his force under the duke of Burgundy, while his departure deepened political tension with Richard.
Documented activity: a chronological record
On 28 August 1189 – 12 July 1191, Philip Augustus appears in the atlas record “Siege of Acre” at Acre. The event is documented through Itinerarium Peregrinorum, Bahâeddin İbn Şeddâd, İbnü’l-Esîr.
Allies, opponents and geographical range
Philip Augustus appears in the same records as Guy de Lusignan, Saladin, Richard the Lionheart. Co-occurrence does not always indicate alliance: the connection may involve command, dynastic rivalry, captivity, negotiation or direct conflict.
The principal geographical range represented in the atlas is Acre. These places record not only presence but also the supply lines, diplomatic contacts and limits of authority relevant to the biography.
Results of recorded decisions
The “Siege of Acre” dossier records the consequences of this episode and identifies the source problems that limit a definitive reconstruction. Use this record as a starting point for comparing narrative sources, military practice, captivity, negotiation and the legal treatment of war.
Sources and historiography
Papal letters, conciliar canons and preaching texts record normative aims, while chronicles describe their social reception. Later versions of speeches are not verbatim minutes and should be compared through their shared provisions, date and circulation.
Names and titles vary between languages; Philip II Augustus should be searched together in catalogues and texts. Approximate dates remain marked as such, and later literary or visual fame is separated from contemporary testimony.
Biographical statements are tied to the sources listed on this page and to the connected event dossiers. Approximate or disputed dates remain marked; missing information is not filled by conjecture, and later literary or visual representations are not treated as contemporary portraits.