Philippe II 1165 - 1223.

Philippe II did much to strengthen the throne of France and the standing of the Royal house. He also deprived King John of England of much of Northwest France notably, Normandy, Maine and then Anjou. He led the French armies on the third Crusade alongside Richard Coeur de Lion and Frederick Ist of Germany. He started the foundation of the University in Paris which was effectively the birth of the City.