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Medieval Stories
Philippe II (Augustus) of France Humiliated Queen Ingeborg
Medieval France, Medieval Misogyny, Medieval Villains, Medieval Women Rachel Elwiss Joyce Medieval France, Medieval Misogyny, Medieval Villains, Medieval Women Rachel Elwiss Joyce

Philippe II (Augustus) of France Humiliated Queen Ingeborg

A Wedding Day Turned Nightmare

On 14 August 1193, the cathedral at Amiens was filled with splendour. Nobles crowded in, candles glowed, and choirs sang as King Philip II of France — called Augustus for his ambition — married Ingeborg of Denmark, a daughter of King Valdemar I.

It was a diplomatic triumph. The marriage would secure French ties to Denmark, giving Philip allies in the north and prestige across Christendom. Ingeborg, known for her piety and education, arrived prepared to be queen of France.

But before the day was out, her life turned into a nightmare.

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Medieval Misogyny: Five Men Who Made Women’s Lives Miserable
12th Century, Medieval Women, Medieval England, Medieval France, Medieval Misogyny, Medieval Villains Rachel Elwiss Joyce 12th Century, Medieval Women, Medieval England, Medieval France, Medieval Misogyny, Medieval Villains Rachel Elwiss Joyce

Medieval Misogyny: Five Men Who Made Women’s Lives Miserable

This blog series uncovers the darker side of 12th-century power: the men whose actions towards women were so cruel that even their contemporaries condemned them.

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