During the Battle of Poitiers, King John II the Good of France is captured by the English and taken to London.

The Battle of Poitiers, also known as the Second Battle of Poitiers, is one of the most notable events in the pages of history. This monumental event was entrenched deep into humanity’s historical roots on the 19th of September, 1356. This contentious engagement was a key moment in the Hundred Years’ War, a war that spanned over the course of more than a century from 1337 to 1453. However, this battle gained distinction from amongst all other battles due to a particularly intriguing turn of events. The drag of the fight led to the surprising capture of King John II the Good of France by the English troops, changing the course of the Hundred Years’ War and leaving an indelible impact in European history.

King John II, known as John the Good, played a significant role in the Battle of Poitiers and the course of the Hundred Years’ War. From his reign beginning in 1350 until the fateful encounter at Poitiers, John II was known for his courage and chivalry, hence the moniker ‘the Good.’ Despite his personal bravery, John II’s lack of military strategy and tact were exposed in the face of the well-equipped and logistics-focused English forces under the command of Edward the Black Prince.

One of the most remarkable elements of this historical juncture was the tactics employed by both sides. The English forces, led by Edward the Black Prince, deployed a tactical formation known as the ‘Hedgehog’ or ‘herisson.’ This formation, arranged in a defensive position with archers on the flanks, allowed the English to repel the charging French forces effectively.

In contrast, King John II opted for a more traditional and ostentatious approach to warfare. He led his troops, decked in full chevalier panoply, in a frontal assault against the entrenched English. However, the French forces faced a devastating defeat, culminating in the capture of King John II the Good.

The King’s capture marked a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War. Instead of a swift return to power through a ransom or negotiation, John II was taken to London. The English saw this as an opportunity to secure further advantages in the war through the Treaty of Bretigny in 1360. This resulted in a significant expansion of English territories in France, seizing about a third of the kingdom.

After spending several years in captivity, John II was released in 1360 following the Treaty of Bretigny, which imposed a colossal ransom on the already financially burdened France. However, when his son Louis, used as a replacement hostage by the English, escaped, John voluntarily returned to England where he unfortunately met his end in 1364.

The capture and subsequent exile of King John II during the Battle of Poitiers sheds light on the dynamics of medieval warfare, diplomacy, and politics. This event stands as a painful reminder of the weaknesses that can manifest in grand battle strategies and personal bravery when not matched with military innovation.

Search terms like the “Battle of Poitiers,” “King John II the Good of France,” “Hundred years war,” and “Edward the black prince” bringing you to this article means you are interested in understanding the deep roots of European history and the critical moments that shaped it. And the capture of King John II surely was one of those moments that not only altered the course of the war but changed the map and fate of two great nations, France and England. The aftermath of the battle clearly portrayed the changes in political and military strategies during the 14th century. It was a time of turbulence, upheaval, but also of growth and progress.