Origins & Early Life

Charles V (21 January 1338 – 16 September 1380), called the Wise (French: le Sage; Latin: Sapiens), was King of France from 1364 to his death in 1380. His reign marked an early high point for France during the Hundred Years' War as his armies recovered much of the territory held by the English and successfully reversed the military losses of his predecessors. Charles became regent of France when his father John II was captured by the English at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356. To pay for the defense of the kingdom, Charles raised taxes.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

As a result, he faced hostility from the nobility, led by Charles the Bad, King of Navarre; the opposition of the French bourgeoisie, which was channeled through the Estates-General led by Étienne Marcel; and with a peasant revolt known as the Jacquerie. Charles overcame all of these rebellions, but in order to liberate his father, he had to conclude the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360, in which he abandoned large portions of south-western France to King Edward III of England and agreed to pay a huge ransom. Charles became king in 1364. With the help of talented advisers, his skillful management of the kingdom allowed him to replenish the royal treasury and...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Bertrand du Guesclin — Contemporary (Died in 1380) (1380): Breton knight and military commander, famed for his Fabian strategy during the Hundred Years' War.
• Catherine of Siena — Contemporary (Died in 1380) (1380): Italian mystic and diplomat whose letters influenced papal and Italian politics.
• Dafydd ap Gwilym — Contemporary (Died in 1380) (1380): A paramount Welsh poet of the 14th century, celebrated for his lyrical mastery.
• Aluísio Azevedo — Shared historical date (01-21 · Died) (1913): Pioneering Brazilian Naturalist novelist, diplomat, and literary figure.
• Ashton Eaton — Shared historical date (01-21 · Born) (1988): American decathlete and two-time Olympic champion known for setting world records.
• Aleksandr Medved — Shared historical date (09-16 · Born) (1937): Legendary Soviet/Belarussian freestyle wrestler, celebrated for Olympic dominance.
• Anthony Padilla — Shared historical date (09-16 · Born) (1987): Pioneering American YouTuber, co-founder of Smosh, known for sketch comedy.
• Isidore of Kiev — Historical peer (Born in 1380) (1380): Byzantine Greek prelate who championed the union of Eastern and Western Christianity.
• Jamshid al-Kashi — Historical peer (Born in 1380) (1380): Master Persian astronomer and mathematician, renowned for advanced computations.
• Christine de Pizan — Historical peer (Born in 1364) (1364): Pioneering author whose works championed women's intellect in medieval France.
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