ABSTRACT
In retrospect, the years 1106-1226, and especially 1200-1214, marked a key turning-point in French history, a time during which the crown, at first enfeebled, achieved a commanding presence within the kingdom. The king’s legal overlordship was acknowledged and generally obeyed, and his grip over the French church was considerable. The revival of Capetian power took place in a period of economic expansion and social change, and the kings were able to profit considerably from many of the developments that took place. The events reveal the key importance of the characters and abilities of the chief protagonists in the struggle, the outcome of which was vitally important in the shift of power towards the Capetians. Greater security, increased royal power and confiscated resources were all of vital importance; so too were the new royal castles that Louis constructed at important strategic points.
