Charles VII of France vs John of Brienne

Joan of Arc, acting under Charles VII's authority, led French forces to lift the English siege of Orl

Charles VII was crowned King of France at Reims Cathedral, a traditional site for French coronations, following the military successes of Joan of Arc. This coronation legitimized his claim against the English-backed Henry VI and boosted French morale.

Charles VII signed the Treaty of Arras with Philip the Good of Burgundy, ending the Burgundian alliance with England. This diplomatic victory isolated the English and paved the way for French reconquest of English-held territories.

Charles VII issued the Pragmatic Sanction of Bourges, asserting the authority of the French crown over the Catholic Church in France. It limited papal interference in ecclesiastical appointments and revenues, strengthening royal control.

French forces under Charles VII's command defeated the English at Castillon, the final battle of the Hundred Years' War. The English lost Gascony, ending their territorial presence in France except for Calais.

John of Brienne was elected King of Jerusalem by the Haute Cour, marrying Maria of Montferrat, the heiress. He became king at a time when the kingdom was reduced to the coastal city of Acre and faced threats from the Ayyubids.

John of Brienne led the crusader forces in the Fifth Crusade, besieging the Egyptian city of Damietta. After a long siege, the city fell in 1219, but the crusaders failed to capitalize on the victory due to internal divisions.

John of Brienne negotiated with Ayyubid Sultan al-Kamil, who offered to return Jerusalem in exchange for the crusaders leaving Egypt. John refused, influenced by the papal legate Pelagius, leading to the eventual failure of the Fifth Crusade.

John of Brienne was elected Latin Emperor of Constantinople, ruling as regent for the young Baldwin II. He brought military experience to the beleaguered empire, which was threatened by the Byzantine Empire of Nicaea and the Second Bulgarian Empire.

John of Brienne successfully defended Constantinople against a siege by John III Vatatzes of Nicaea and Ivan Asen II of Bulgaria. His leadership preserved the Latin Empire for another generation.