Battle of Poitiers

Quick Facts: Who was Battle of Poitiers?

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Battle of Poitiers

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Major battle in 1356 during the Hundred Years' War between French and Anglo-Gascon forces.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Battle of Poitiers was fought on 19 September 1356, during the Hundred Years' War, between a French army commanded by King John II and an Anglo-Gascon force under Edward, the Black Prince. It took place in western France, 5 miles (8 km) south of Poitiers, when approximately 14,000 to 16,000 French attacked a strong defensive position held by 6,000 Anglo-Gascons. Nineteen years after the start of the war, Edward, the Black Prince, the eldest son and heir of King Edward III of England, launched a major campaign in south-west France. His army marched from Bergerac to the River Loire, which they were unable to cross. King John II gathered a large and unusually mobile army and pursued Edward's forces.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The Anglo-Gascons had by this point established a strong defensive position near Poitiers, and after unsuccessful negotiations between the two sides, were attacked by the French. The first assault included two units of heavily armoured cavalry, a strong force of crossbowmen as well as many infantry and dismounted men-at-arms. They were driven back by the Anglo-Gascons, who were fighting entirely on foot. A second French attack by 4,000 men-at-arms on foot under King John II's son and heir Charles, the dauphin, followed. After a prolonged fight, this too was repulsed.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

As the Dauphin's division recoiled there was confusion in the French ranks: about half the men of their third division, under Philip, Duke of Orléans, left the field, taking with them all four of John's sons. Some of those who did not withdraw with Philip launched a weak and unsuccessful third assault. The remaining French forces regrouped around the king and launched a fourth attack against the now exhausted Anglo-Gascons, who were still fighting on foot. The French sacred banner, the Oriflamme, borne by Geoffroi de Charny was unfurled, the signal that no prisoners were to be taken. Battle was again joined, with the French slowly getting the better of it.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1356: 1356 Milestone — The Battle of Poitiers was fought on 19 September 1356, during the Hundred Years' War, between a French army commanded by King John II and an Anglo-Gascon force under Edward, the Black Prince.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Battle of Poitiers

True or False: “The Battle of Poitiers was fought primarily over control of Gascony, which provided a significant source of state income for the English Crown.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): Duty levied by the English Crown on wine from Bordeaux, the capital of Gascony, was the largest source of state income combined.

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• Battle of Rossbach — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A decisive 1757 battle where Frederick the Great defeated a massive Allied force.

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