Which French king was captured by the English at the 1356 Battle of Poitiers?

John II of France was captured by the English at the 1356 Battle of Poitiers. The battle took place on 19 September 1356 during the Hundred Years’ War.

The English army was commanded by Edward, the Black Prince, the eldest son of King Edward III. Despite being heavily outnumbered, the English used defensive positions and missile troops to withstand repeated French attacks. The French king, known as John the Good, fought personally and was taken prisoner along with his son Philip.

John’s capture created a severe political and financial crisis in France. The Treaty of Brétigny in 1360 set terms for his release, including a large ransom and major territorial concessions to England. John later returned to captivity in England after failing to meet the ransom arrangements.

This battle is distinct from Poitiers in 732, traditionally associated with Charles Martel’s victory over an Umayyad army. It is also separate from the 1415 Battle of Agincourt.