Historical Figures

John II the Good(1319 - 1364)

John II is the son of Philip VI, and the second king of the direct Valois dynasty. In 1355, the war resumed against the English led by Edward, the Black Prince and, in 1356, John II was defeated at Poitiers. Taken prisoner, he is taken to London. Although at the end of the Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 he was freed for a ransom of 3,000,000 pounds, he returned to surrender in 1364 when he learned of the escape of his son, Louis d'Anjou, hostage of England. Thoughtless and prodigal, ill-advised, lacking in political sense, he was nonetheless courageous. King John II the Good is also at the origin of the franc on horseback.

Philip VI of Valois Charles V the Wise