The Battle of Poitiers, also known as the Battle of Maupertuis, was fought on September 19, 1356, during the Hundred Years' War. This pivotal battle took place near Poitiers, in western France, between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France.
Background
The Battle
- Edward, the Black Prince, leading an English force, was returning from a successful raid in southern France when he was intercepted by a larger French army under the command of King John II of France.
- The French force was significantly larger, consisting of around 16,000 to 20,000 men, compared to the English army, which numbered about 6,000 to 7,000.
- The battle saw the use of innovative English tactics, including the famous longbow, which gave the English archers a significant advantage over the French knights.
- The terrain played a crucial role; the English chose their ground carefully, using hedgerows and vineyards to break up the French cavalry charges.
- Despite their numerical superiority, the French were unable to break the English lines, and their forces were scattered and defeated in disarray.
Outcome and Consequences
- The English victory at Poitiers was decisive. King John II was captured along with many other nobles, leading to a significant ransom.
- The capture of the French king was a major coup for Edward III of England, who used this leverage in the ensuing peace negotiations.
- The Treaty of Bretigny (1360) was the result, where France ceded large territories to England and agreed to pay a ransom for John II.
- The battle showcased the effectiveness of the English longbowmen and the tactical acumen of Edward, the Black Prince, further cementing his reputation as a military leader.
Legacy
- The Battle of Poitiers is often cited as one of the greatest victories in English military history.
- It influenced military tactics and warfare in the late Middle Ages, highlighting the importance of combined arms and strategic positioning.
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