Two Houses, Two Kingdoms: A History of France and England, 1100-1300

The twelfth and thirteenth centuries saw the rise of the Capetians and Angevins in France and England, with the English king's lands reaching close to Paris and the French house encompassing London. Catherine Hanley's history highlights the clashes and friendships of the two dynasties, emphasizing the influential women and familial bonds that shaped their fate.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 496 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

The twelfth and thirteenth centuries were a period of intense political and social upheaval in Europe, marked by the rise of powerful ruling families in France and England. These two dynasties, the Capetians and the Angevins, were closely intertwined, with their fortunes and fortunes often intertwined. The Capetians, who ruled France from the 10th to the 13th century, were descendants of the Carolingian dynasty and were known for their strong military power and their ability to consolidate their kingdom. The Angevins, on the other hand, were descendants of the Capetian dynasty and were known for their political savvy and their ability to navigate the complex web of European politics.

The Capetians and the Angevins were rivals for control of the French throne, and their rivalry often led to war and political instability. However, they were also able to form alliances and partnerships, which helped to shape the course of European history. One of the most significant alliances between the two dynasties was the marriage of Henry II of England to Eleanor of Aquitaine, the daughter of the king of France. This marriage was a political masterstroke, as it brought the two kingdoms closer together and helped to consolidate the power of the Angevin dynasty in France.

Another important alliance between the two dynasties was the Treaty of Paris, which was signed in 1259 and ended the Hundred Years' War. This treaty was a significant victory for the Angevin dynasty, as it allowed them to regain control of much of France that had been lost to the Capetian dynasty during the war. However, the treaty also had significant consequences for England, as it led to the loss of much of its territory in France and the establishment of the French-English border.

Despite their rivalry, the Capetians and the Angevins were also able to work together to promote cultural and artistic development in Europe. The Capetian dynasty was known for its patronage of the arts, and many of the most famous works of art in the world were created during their reign. The Angevin dynasty, on the other hand, was known for its support of the Church and its promotion of religious reform.

The twelfth and thirteenth centuries were a time of great change and transformation in Europe, and the Capetians and the Angevins were two of the most powerful and influential dynasties of the time. Their rivalry and alliances helped to shape the course of European history, and their contributions to culture and art will be remembered for generations to come.

In conclusion, the twelfth and thirteenth centuries were a time of intense political and social upheaval in Europe, marked by the rise of powerful ruling families in France and England. The Capetians and the Angevins were two of these dynasties, and their rivalry and alliances helped to shape the course of European history. Despite their rivalry, they were also able to work together to promote cultural and artistic development, and their contributions to the world will be remembered for generations to come.

Dimension: 197 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300272970