The Battle of Poitiers, fought in 1356, was a pivotal confrontation within the broader context of the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The English army, commanded by Edward the Black Prince, faced a numerically superior French force led by King John II. Despite being outnumbered, the English utilized their longbowmen effectively, which played a crucial role in their victory. The battle took place near the town of Poitiers in western France, an area that became synonymous with military engagement and strategic maneuvering during the conflict.

Prior to the battle, both sides had been engaged in a series of conflicts marked by shifting allegiances and strategic blunders. King John II, seeking to bolster French prestige and control over territories lost to the English, assembled a large army to confront the Black Prince’s forces, who were on a campaign of raiding. The tactical layout, however, did not favor the French; the English army took advantage of the terrain and their superior archery skills, inflicting heavy casualties on the French knights.

The outcome of the battle was significant not only for the English but also for the future dynamics of the Hundred Years' War. The capture of King John II shifted the balance of power, forcing France into a position of political negotiation and furthering the fractious nature of their internal politics. This battle confirmed Edward the Black Prince’s reputation as an exceptional military leader and set the stage for further English successes in France, shaping the course of the war in subsequent years.