Atlantic West Europe (1108 – 1251 CE): The Angevin Empire, Champagne–Flanders Circuits, and Aquitaine under the English Crown

Geographic and Environmental Context

Atlantic West Europe spans northern France and the Low Countries.

• Anchors: Paris–Seine–Reims, Upper Loire (Orléans–Blois–Tours), Anjou/Angers–Maine–Le Mans, Poitou/Poitiers–La Rochelle–Saintes, Bordeaux–Gironde–Bayonne, Flanders/Bruges–Ghent–Ypres, Low Countries delta.

Climate and Environmental Shifts

• High-medieval peak supported population and urbanization; river improvements eased up-country grain and wine traffic.

Societies and Political Developments

• Eleanor of Aquitaine married Louis VII (1137), annulled (1152), then married Henry II Plantagenet (1152)—creating the Angevin Empire (from Anjou/Normandy to Aquitaine).

• Capetian–Angevin rivalry dominated: Philip II conquered Normandy (1204), but Aquitaine/Guyenne largely remained under English suzerainty; La Rochelle and Bordeaux became Angevin pillars.

• Flanders and Champagne fairs integrated Mediterranean–northern circuits; communes of Bruges, Ghent, Ypres asserted charters.

• Brittany navigated between Plantagenets and Capetians.

Economy and Trade

• Bordeaux claret exports to England boomed; La Rochelle shipped salt and wine; Nantes handled salt fish and grain.

• Flanders/Champagne fairs: Italian capital met northern cloth; Bruges emerged as a banking mart.

• Upper Loire and Anjou–Touraine supplied wine/grain to Paris and ports.

Belief and Symbolism

• Gothic beginnings in Chartres, Paris; pilgrimage roads of Poitou–Bordeaux remained crowded.

Long-Term Significance

By 1251, Aquitaine was England’s continental anchor; Flanders the cloth workshop; Paris–Loire the Capetian core—poised for 13th–14th-century contests.

The Legacy of Charles V: A Model of Kingship and Its Decline

The reign of King Charles V of France (r. 1364–1380) left a lasting impression on posterity, as his conception of governance became an ideal that later courtiers wished his successors would emulate. His rule combined pragmatism, intellectual refinement, and political acumen, stabilizing the kingdom after the disasters of the Hundred Years’ War and the internal turmoil of the Jacquerie (1358) and the Étienne Marcel Revolt (1357–1358).

Charles V in Political Thought and Biography

Much of what we know about Charles V’s personal and political life comes from Christine de Pizan’s biography, commissioned in 1404 by Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy. Pizan’s work not only preserves intimate details of the king’s rule, but also serves as a moral guide for his successors. Drawing on the political philosophy of Nicole Oresme, who translated Aristotle’s moral works into French, and Giles of Rome, the biography presents Charles as a model ruler, embodying the wisdom and piety that his heirs were expected to follow.

A similar didactic portrayal appears in Philippe de Mézières’ allegorical Songe du Vieil Pèlerin (The Old Pilgrim’s Dream), written for Charles’ son, the future Charles VI. Mézières urges the dauphin to emulate his father’s piety and reformist zeal, though history would prove that Charles VI did not live up to this ideal.

The Royal Library and the Intellectual Kingship of Charles V

Among Charles V’s greatest achievements was his vast royal library, housed in his expanded Louvre, which symbolized both the magnificence of the monarchy and his belief in governance for the common good. Containing over 1,200 volumes, the library was described in detail by the 19th-century historian Léopold Delisle.

• Charles prioritized works in French so that his counselors and officials could access them, reinforcing royal authority through knowledge.
• The most significant translations commissioned for the library were those of Nicole Oresme, who produced the first full French translations of Aristotle’s Politics, Ethics, and Economics.
  • The Politics and Economics served as manuals for government, while the Ethics advised the king on how to be a virtuous ruler.
• Other notable works included:
  • Songe du Vergier, an anonymous legal treatise inspired by the debates between Philip IV’s jurists and Pope Boniface VIII.
  • The translations of Raoul de Presles, which included St. Augustine’s City of God.
  • The 1377 edition of the Grandes Chroniques de France, edited to emphasize the vassalage of Edward III, reinforcing the Valois claim to French sovereignty over English-occupied lands.

Charles' kingship placed great emphasis on both royal ceremony and political theory, seeking to embody the ideals of St. Louis (Louis IX), Charlemagne, and Clovis, as depicted in his Coronation Book of 1364, now housed in the British Library.

The Builder King: Architecture and Urban Fortifications

Charles was also a builder king, commissioning or rebuilding several significant fortifications and palaces in the late 14th-century style, including:

• The Bastille, initially constructed as a fortress to defend Paris.
• The Château du Louvre, expanded as both a residence and a stronghold.
• The Château de Vincennes, a royal residence and military stronghold.
• The Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, a model later widely imitated by the nobility.

These constructions reflected Charles' strategic foresight, reinforcing France’s urban defenses while also displaying royal prestige.

The Fragility of Charles V’s Achievements

While his reign marked a recovery from the devastation of Brétigny (1360), Charles’ successes ultimately proved ephemeral.

• His brothers, who dominated the regency council after his death, quarreled among themselves, weakening central authority.
• His son, Charles VI, neglected governance in favor of courtly entertainments, and after his descent into madness in 1392, his uncles resumed control, leading to factional rivalries.
• By 1419, the kingdom was divided between Armagnac and Burgundian factions, while Henry V of England was conquering northern France, culminating in the Treaty of Troyes (1420), which nearly extinguished Valois rule.

Thus, the hard-won victories of Charles V were squandered by his successors, plunging France into renewed crisis.

The Introduction of Playing Cards to Europe (14th Century)

Playing cards first entered Southern Europe in the 14th century, likely originating from Mamluk Egypt, where they were already well established. The Mamluk suits—cups, coins, swords, and polo-sticks—were gradually adopted into European decks, though the polo-sticks were replaced with batons or cudgels, as polo was largely unknown in medieval Europe.

Early Mentions and Spread Across Europe

The earliest documented references to playing cards include:

• Catalonia (1371) – The first recorded mention in Europe.
• Switzerland (1377) – Confirmed presence of playing cards.
• Florence and Paris (1380) – Widespread mentions, indicating rapid dissemination.
• Paris Ordinances (1369 & 1377) – A 1369 Parisian ordinance does not mention playing cards, but its updated version in 1377 does, suggesting their introduction within this period.
• Duchess Johanna of Brabant’s Account Books (1379) – A record dated May 14, 1379, states:
  "Given to Monsieur and Madame four peters, two forms, value eight and a half moutons, wherewith to buy a pack of cards."
• Treasurer’s Accounts of Charles VI of France (1392/1393) – Charbot Poupart, treasurer of Charles VI, records payment for the painting of three sets of cards, demonstrating royal patronage and interest in playing cards.

Early Production and Expense

Initially, playing cards were handmade, often crafted with intricate hand-painted designs like those created for Charles VI of France. This labor-intensive production made them a luxury item accessible mainly to the nobility and wealthy patrons. It was only later, with the advent of woodblock printing, that playing cards became more widely available.

Long-Term Influence

The Latin suits (cups, coins, swords, and batons) derived from Mamluk decks remain standard in traditional Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese playing card sets. Over time, card games became an enduring element of European leisure culture, influencing social customs, gambling traditions, and artistic design across the continent.

Arles had joined the countship of Provence in 1239 but had suffered by its prominence being eclipsed once more by Marseille.

In 1378, the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV cedes the remnants of the Kingdom of Arles to the Dauphin of France (later King Charles VI of France) and the Kingdom ceases to exist even on paper.

Olivier de Clisson Appointed Constable of France (1380–1392)

On November 28, 1380, King Charles VI of France, newly crowned at the age of twelve, appointed Olivier de Clisson as Constable of France, following the death of Bernard du Guesclin. Despite strong opposition from the King’s uncles—the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy—Clisson was supported by Louis I, Duke of Anjou, and ultimately secured the office.

The Appointment and Opposition

• Two other candidates declined the position, acknowledging that Clisson’s military experience made him the most qualified.
• As Constable of France, Clisson became the highest-ranking military officer, second only to the king in matters of war and defense.
• His appointment was opposed by the Dukes of Berry and Burgundy, who distrusted Clisson’s power and close ties to Anjou.

Powers and Privileges of the Constable

• The Constable of France had the right to:
  • Lead royal armies and command military campaigns.
  • Keep war loot, except for gold, silver, and prisoners, which belonged to the crown.
  • Influence state military strategy and noble alliances.
• Clisson’s tenure lasted from 1380 to 1392, during which he played a key role in French military efforts against the English and internal noble conflicts.

Impact and Legacy

• Clisson’s appointment reinforced the influence of the pro-Valois faction, as he continued Charles V’s strategy of harassing English forces in France.
• His leadership and experience in the Breton Wars and the Hundred Years' War made him a formidable military figure, feared by both English and rival French nobles.
• His later years as Constable of France would see him embroiled in political conflicts, eventually leading to his downfall in 1392.

The appointment of Olivier de Clisson as Constable of France in 1380 marked a continuation of the Valois military leadership, ensuring French forces remained in the hands of experienced commanders while deepening rivalries within the French nobility.

The Final Years and Death of Charles V ("the Wise") (1380)

By 1380, King Charles V of France ("Charles the Wise") had consolidated French control over Normandy, successfully neutralized the threat posed by Charles II of Navarre, and continued unsuccessful peace negotiations with England. Though he was an effective ruler known for his military and economic reforms, his heavy taxation policies had led to widespread discontent, especially among the working classes and nobility.

Charles V’s Reforms and Challenges

• Military Successes

  • Charles V secured French gains in Normandy, reducing English influence.
  • He neutralized Charles II of Navarre, whose ambitions had previously destabilized the region.

• Economic and Currency Reforms

  • He stabilized France’s currency, correcting earlier devaluations.
  • However, his heavy war taxation, particularly the hearth tax, caused significant unrest among the lower classes and nobility.

• Patron of Arts and Learning

  • He was a major patron of artists and intellectuals, commissioning illuminated manuscripts, translations of Aristotle, and architectural works.

• The Great Schism of the Papacy

  • His policies contributed to the Papal Schism (1378), dividing the Catholic Church between rival popes in Avignon and Rome, further complicating French and European politics.

Abolition of the Hearth Tax and Death (September 16, 1380)

• On his deathbed, recognizing rising noble and public discontent, Charles V canceled the hearth tax, the main financial pillar of his government.
• This sudden reversal left France financially weakened, exacerbating noble rivalries and fiscal instability.
• He died at the age of 42 on September 16, 1380.

Succession and the Regency of Philip of Burgundy

• His son, Charles VI, was only 11 years old at the time of his accession.
• Philip the Bold, Duke of Burgundy, Charles V’s youngest brother, became regent, marking the beginning of Burgundian dominance at the French court.

Impact and Legacy

• Charles V’s reign restored France’s military fortunes, but his tax policies alienated key segments of society.
• His patronage of the arts and intellectual life laid the foundation for the cultural achievements of the early 15th century.
• His death and the regency of Philip the Bold set the stage for intense factional struggles at the French court, influencing the political instability of Charles VI’s reign.

Charles V’s reign was one of military and economic recovery, but his final decisions—especially the abolition of the hearth tax—created financial instability, shaping the political conflicts of the next generation.

This revision enhances clarity, strengthens readability, and fully contextualizes the final years and legacy of Charles V. Let me know if you’d like any refinements!

The Maillotin Uprising (1382): A Revolt Against Taxation in Paris

By 1381, the common people of France, already financially devastated by years of war with England, had attempted an abortive uprising against excessive taxation. The following year, in 1382, widespread anger over yet another new tax led to the Maillotin Uprising in Paris, named after the lead maillots (mauls) carried by the rioters. This revolt quickly escalated into an open rebellion, targeting officials, tax collectors, and Jewish communities, before being violently suppressed by the royal government.

Causes of the Uprising

• Long-term financial devastation from the Hundred Years’ War had burdened the lower classes with ever-increasing taxes.
• The Parisian population had already shown signs of unrest in 1381, protesting their unfair share of the tax burden while the nobility remained largely exempt.
• The final trigger in 1382 was the imposition of yet another tax, leading to a full-scale riot in Paris.

The Riots and Spread of the Insurrection

• The angry crowds took to the streets, armed with lead maillots (large mallets), giving the uprising its name.
• The rebels targeted:
  • Tax farmers—those responsible for collecting and profiting from the taxes.
  • Jewish communities, who were often associated with moneylending and financial administration.
  • Prisons, which they stormed and opened, freeing detainees in Châtelet prison.

Royal Response: Negotiations and Crackdown

• Fourteen-year-old King Charles VI, guided by his Council of Twelve, initially attempted to negotiate with the rebels.
• Despite these efforts, the insurrection continued, leading to the arrest and execution of its leaders.
• The royal army ultimately crushed the rebellion, imposing harsh punishments on the insurgents.

Aftermath and Consequences

• The unpopular tax was abolished, a temporary concession to public discontent.
• However, as retaliation, the monarchy withdrew all significant support from the Parisian municipal government, effectively suspending its autonomy for nearly 80 years.
• The Maillotin Uprising became a cautionary tale, demonstrating both the power of urban revolts and the harsh consequences of defying royal authority.

The Maillotin Uprising of 1382 was one of the most significant urban revolts of medieval France, fueled by economic hardship, resentment toward taxation, and anti-Semitic violence, ultimately resulting in a brutal suppression and the long-term decline of Parisian municipal influence.

Political Struggles in France: The Rise of Olivier de Clisson as Leader of the Anti-Burgundian Party (1382)

By 1382, the French court was dominated by factional struggles, as the boy-king Charles VI was still too young to govern independently. His uncles, notably Philip the Bold of Burgundy, sought to control royal policy, while opposition forces, led by Louis, Duke of Anjou, attempted to counterbalance Burgundian influence. When Louis died in 1382, Olivier de Clisson, the Constable of France, emerged as the new leader of the anti-Burgundian faction, supported by northwestern nobility and military commanders.

Power Struggles at the French Court

• Philip the Bold of Burgundy attempted to assert dominance over France’s policies, securing his influence over the young Charles VI.
• Louis, Duke of Anjou, led an anti-Burgundian party, made up of:
  • Royal officials who opposed Burgundian control.
  • Military commanders who favored a more independent, centralized monarchy.
  • Nobles from northwestern France, traditionally wary of Burgundian power.

Olivier de Clisson’s Rise as Anti-Burgundian Leader (1382)

• Upon Louis of Anjou’s death in 1382, leadership of the anti-Burgundian party fell to Olivier de Clisson, Constable of France.
• Clisson, a seasoned military leader, had strong backing from:
  • French royal commanders, who had fought alongside him in Brittany and against the English.
  • Nobles from Brittany, Normandy, and Anjou, regions historically skeptical of Burgundian dominance.
• His leadership shifted the opposition from a purely political struggle to one with strong military implications.

Impact and Legacy

• The power struggle between Burgundy and its opponents would continue for decades, eventually escalating into the Armagnac-Burgundian Civil War (1407–1435).
• Clisson’s leadership in the anti-Burgundian faction placed him at odds with Philip the Bold, leading to further conflicts at the French court.
• His control over the military gave the anti-Burgundian party a significant advantage, influencing future French campaigns against English and Burgundian interests.

The rise of Olivier de Clisson as leader of the anti-Burgundian party in 1382 marked a new phase in the internal power struggles of France, as the country drifted toward further factional conflicts that would shape its history well into the 15th century.

The Battle of Roosebeke (November 27, 1382): French Victory Over the Flemish Revolt

In 1382, King Charles VI of France intervened in Flanders to support his ally, Louis de Male, Count of Flanders, against a rebellion led by the city of Ghent. The Flemish rebels, led by Philip van Artevelde, sought to overthrow feudal rule, challenging both the Count of Flanders and French authority. The French response culminated in the Battle of Roosebeke (November 27, 1382), where Olivier de Clisson, as Constable of France, led the French royal army to a decisive and brutal victory.

The Flemish Revolt and French Intervention

• The Flemish cities, particularly Ghent, had long resisted feudal control, favoring municipal independence and trade autonomy.
• Philip van Artevelde, son of the famous Flemish leader Jacob van Artevelde, led the bourgeois militia against Louis de Male.
• Fearing the spread of urban revolts across France, Charles VI decided to intervene militarily.

The Battle of Roosebeke (November 27, 1382)

• Olivier de Clisson commanded the French royal army, which consisted of seasoned knights and men-at-arms.
• The Flemish forces, made up of militia fighters, artisans, and merchants, lacked professional military experience.
• Clisson used tactical superiority to crush the Flemish:
  • He outmaneuvered the undisciplined militias, trapping them with cavalry charges and flanking attacks.
  • The French forces encircled the Flemish, leading to a brutal massacre of 25,000 men.
• Philip van Artevelde was killed, and the rebellion collapsed as the French army sacked and looted the battlefield.

Aftermath and Consequences

• The crushing of the Ghent revolt reinforced feudal control in Flanders, ensuring Louis de Male’s continued rule.
• Olivier de Clisson’s victory solidified his position as one of France’s most capable military commanders.
• The massacre of 25,000 Flemish rebels sent a clear message against urban uprisings, though resistance in Flanders would continue in later years.

The Battle of Roosebeke (1382) was a defining moment in the conflict between feudal lords and urban autonomy, demonstrating the military dominance of France and the brutality of medieval warfare under the command of Olivier de Clisson.

Philip van Artevelde and the Flemish Revolt Against France (1381–1382)

Philip van Artevelde, the son of Jacob van Artevelde, led the Ghent rebellion against Count Louis II of Flanders and the French Crown in 1381–1382. Leveraging his father’s legacy and the support of the urban burghers, Philip rose to power and briefly controlled most of Flanders. However, his rebellion was crushed at the Battle of Roosebeke (November 27, 1382), where he perished in the chaos of battle, and his body was later displayed before King Charles VI of France.

Philip van Artevelde’s Rise to Power (1381–1382)

• Due to his father’s political prominence, Philip was the godson of Queen Philippa of Hainault, wife of Edward III of England, who had held him during his baptism.
• In 1381, he emerged as a leader of the Ghent rebellion, rallying the burghers against Count Louis II of Flanders.
• With early military successes, Philip’s forces captured Bruges and much of Flanders, and he was declared Governor of Flanders.

Defeat at the Battle of Roosebeke (November 27, 1382)

• The French Crown, fearing urban revolts spreading into France, intervened to restore Count Louis II’s rule.
• King Charles VI and Constable Olivier de Clisson led a professional French army against Philip’s militia-based forces.
• Despite his initial victories, Philip’s untrained army was outmaneuvered at Roosebeke, leading to:
  • A devastating loss for the Flemish rebels.
  • Philip’s death in the battlefield crush, as thousands of Flemish troops were slaughtered.

Aftermath: Public Display and the Continuation of the Rebellion

• Philip’s corpse was displayed before King Charles VI, a symbol of the Crown’s victory over the burgher-led rebellion.
• His body was then hanged from a tree, further humiliating his legacy.
• Despite Philip’s death, the rebellion did not end, as Franz Ackerman took command of Ghent, leading the continuing resistance against France.

Impact and Legacy

• The Battle of Roosebeke reaffirmed feudal control over Flanders, dealing a major blow to urban independence movements.
• Philip’s death marked the end of Ghent’s rapid territorial expansion, but his memory lived on as a symbol of resistance against noble rule.
• The rebellion continued under Franz Ackerman, though under increasingly difficult circumstances.

Philip van Artevelde’s rise and fall mirrored the struggle between feudal lords and autonomous urban centers, making him one of the last great leaders of the Flemish revolt before French dominance was reestablished.