King Philip II Augustus of France was by no means a physically strong individual, but his strengths lay in his knowledge of both political and military strategy. He was almost constantly involved in wars from 1180 to 1215. He fought his vassals, other kings, both at once, it didn't matter; Philip would use political treachery and military tactics to defeat his opponents. When you look at Philip's life you notice almost immediately that Philip was constantly fighting someone from the day he became king until the day he died. Philip was born in Gonesse on 21 August 1165, his father Louis was determined for Philip to succeed him. on the throne; as such Philip was raised with all the training necessary to become a king and was taught the ways of politics and warfare (Smedley 52). All would go according to plan until Philip turned thirteen, during a royal hunt; he was separated from his companions and lost in a forest. He spent hours looking for a way out, until he was exhausted by cold and hunger. Eventually a farmer found him; but this event had made him seriously ill, contracting a dangerously high fever. His father Louis VII, distraught by his son's illness, undertook a pilgrimage to the Shrine of Thomas Becket, to pray for his son's recovery (Smedley 55). He was told that his son had finally recovered and began his journey back to Paris. During the return journey he suffered a terrible stroke; this began the decline of his health, which ultimately led to his death (Smedley 55). Knowing that his health was deteriorating and that he would not be able to govern for much longer, he understood that if he wanted Philip to succeed him he would have to act quickly because there were no parties in play that...... middle of paper ......tture, but anticipate future moves. He moved away from the traditional ways of viewing war as a game of chess, but realized that more elements could be used. Throughout its military history we see wonderful examples of how it used rebellions and political means to destabilize the military operations of its adversaries. He was truly a master of psychological, political and traditional warfare, and probably one of the best political and military strategists of the Middle Ages. Works Cited The New Encyclopedia Britannica. Chicago: Encyclopedia Britannica, 2007. Print.Rees, Simon. "King Richard I of England against King Philip II Augustus." Journal of Military History September 2006: 1-5. Print.Smedley, Edward. The history of France, from the final partition of Charlemagne's Empire to the Peace of Cambray. London: Baldwin and Cradock, 1836. Print.