John II of France

John II of France was the King of France from 1350 to 1364, and his reign was marked by significant events such as the Hundred Years' War against the Kingdom of England, led by Edward III of England and the Black Death pandemic that devastated Europe. He was the son of Philip VI of France and Joan of Burgundy, and his reign was influenced by the Papal States and the Avignon Papacy. John II of France was also known as John the Good, and his reign was characterized by his relationships with Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and Charles V, Duke of Lorraine.

Early Life

John II of France was born on April 26, 1319, in Le Mans, France, to Philip VI of France and Joan of Burgundy. His early life was influenced by his family's connections to the House of Valois and the House of Burgundy, and he was educated by Guillaume de Digulleville and Pierre de Chambly. John II of France was also exposed to the Court of France and the Château de Vincennes, where he met Pope Clement VI and Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor. His siblings included Philip, Duke of Orléans, Joan of France, Duchess of Brittany, and Charles II of Navarre.

Reign

John II of France ascended to the throne in 1350, following the death of his father, Philip VI of France. His reign was marked by the Hundred Years' War, which involved Edward, the Black Prince, John of Gaunt, and Bertrand du Guesclin. John II of France also faced challenges from the Free Companies, Jacquerie, and the Estates-General of France, which was attended by Étienne Marcel and Robert Le Coq. He was supported by Charles, Duke of Brittany, Louis I, Duke of Anjou, and John I, Duke of Berry, and his reign was influenced by the Treaty of Brétigny and the Treaty of Calais.

Captivity and Ransom

In 1356, John II of France was captured by the English army at the Battle of Poitiers, led by Edward, the Black Prince and John of Gaunt. He was taken to Bordeaux and then to London, where he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The Kingdom of France was forced to pay a significant ransom for his release, which was negotiated by Geoffrey de Charny and Pierre de La Foret. John II of France was eventually released in 1360, after the Treaty of Brétigny was signed, which involved Edward III of England and Charles II of Navarre.

Personal Life

John II of France was married to Bonne of Luxembourg, daughter of John of Luxembourg, King of Bohemia, and then to Joan I, Countess of Auvergne. He had several children, including Charles V of France, Louis I, Duke of Anjou, John I, Duke of Berry, and Philip II, Duke of Burgundy. John II of France was also known for his relationships with Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and Pope Innocent VI, and his court was attended by Guillaume de Machaut and Froissart.

Death and Succession

John II of France died on April 8, 1364, in the Savoy Palace in London, while still in captivity. He was succeeded by his son, Charles V of France, who was supported by Bertrand du Guesclin and Étienne Marcel. John II of France was buried in the Basilica of Saint-Denis, alongside his father, Philip VI of France, and his grandfather, Charles of Valois. His legacy was influenced by the Hundred Years' War and the Black Death, and his reign was marked by significant events that shaped the Kingdom of France and Europe. Category:Monarchs of France