Prelude to the Battle
The roots of the Battle of Poitiers lie in the ongoing tensions of the Hundred Years' War, which had been characterized by a series of conflicts over territorial disputes, dynastic claims, and political control. By the mid-14th century, the English had gained significant advantages, especially after their success in the Battle of Crécy in 1346. The French, under the leadership of King John II (known as "John the Good"), were struggling to recover from the devastating losses sustained at Crécy and were in disarray.
The English, led by Edward, the Black Prince, son of King Edward III of England, had been conducting a series of raids into France, known as the chevauchée, aimed at inflicting economic damage and disrupting the French war effort. These raids were highly effective in weakening the French morale and resources. In 1356, the Black Prince led an army of around 7,000 men—mainly consisting of English knights, archers, and a contingent of mercenaries—into France with the intention of capturing territory and plundering French lands.
The French Response
King John II of France, determined to stop the English advance, gathered a much larger force to confront the invaders. The French army, estimated to number between 12,000 and 15,000 soldiers, was composed mostly of heavily armored knights and men-at-arms, a force that seemed far superior in size and quality to the smaller English army.
The French king believed that, with such a significant numerical advantage, he could force the English to retreat. As the two armies approached each other, the French army followed the Black Prince’s movements, hoping to find an opportunity for a decisive engagement. Eventually, the armies met near the town of Poitiers, and the French king prepared for battle. shutdown123