The Hundred Years' War
A century-long feudal struggle that forged the identities of England and France through blood and iron.
The Hundred Years' War stands as a defining conflict within the Age of Empires universe, primarily featured in the campaigns of Age of Empires II: The Conquerors and its subsequent expansions. This prolonged struggle between the kingdoms of England and France serves as the backdrop for some of the franchise's most iconic civilizations, highlighting the rise of professional armies, the evolution of siege warfare, and the dramatic clash of feudal monarchies. In the lore of the series, this war is not merely a sequence of battles but a crucible that forged legendary figures like Edward the Black Prince, Joan of Arc, and Bertrand du Guesclin. It represents the transition from medieval knightly dominance to more sophisticated military strategies involving longbowmen and heavy cavalry, setting the stage for the modern nation-states that would emerge in later ages.
- Primary Civilizations
- English, French
- Key Figures
- Edward III, Henry V, Joan of Arc, Charles VII
- Game Appearances
- Age of Empires II: The Conquerors (Campaigns)
- Core Theme
- Feudal Warfare and National Identity
- Signature Units
- Longbowman, Paladin, Men-at-Arms
Lore & Background
The conflict began when the English Crown asserted a claim to the French throne, sparking a dynastic crisis that would bleed for generations. In the Age of Empires narrative, this war is depicted as a brutal test of will between two powerful houses. The early phases saw English forces, utilizing their superior archery and naval power, securing decisive victories on foreign soil, often relying on the disciplined ranks of longbowmen to shatter heavy French cavalry charges. As the war dragged on, the nature of combat evolved. The French eventually adapted, developing new tactics and rallying behind charismatic leaders who could unify a fractured nobility. The story culminates in the dramatic rise of Joan of Arc, whose divine inspiration turned the tide against the English occupiers. Her leadership revitalized the French cause, leading to the eventual expulsion of English forces from most of their continental holdings and the coronation of Charles VII, solidifying the concept of a unified French nation.
In Their Own Story
The mud of Agincourt clung to Henry's boots as he watched the rain soak into the field. The French knights, heavy with armor and pride, were already trudging through the churned earth, their horses stumbling in the mire. 'Hold your ground,' Henry whispered to his men, the longbowmen nocking arrows that glinted dully in the grey sky. There was no glory here, only survival. As the French charge faltered, trapped by their own weight and the English archery, the King felt the cold steel of history shifting beneath him. This was not just a battle; it was the forging of a legend that would echo through centuries.
Reader's Guide
In Age of Empires II, the Hundred Years' War is brought to life through specific civilization bonuses that mirror historical strengths. The English Longbowman's range and power reflect the real-world dominance of Welsh archers who were crucial to English victories at Crécy and Agincourt. The French civilization counters with Paladins and heavy cavalry, representing the traditional feudal knightly class that initially dominated European warfare before adapting to new tactics. Campaign missions often task players with managing supply lines and fortifying castles, emphasizing the siege-heavy nature of this prolonged conflict. Developers designed these mechanics to teach players about the shift from shock cavalry to ranged infantry dominance. Hidden references include specific unit names like 'Men-at-Arms' which were historically common mercenary types during this era. Some older versions of the game featured map scripts that recreated famous battlefields, allowing fans to experience the tactical constraints of narrow fields where heavy cavalry was neutralized.
Did You Know?
- The campaign featuring Joan of Arc is one of the most popular and widely recognized storylines in the entire Age of Empires II franchise.
- The English civilization's unique unit, the Longbowman, is directly inspired by the archers who played a decisive role in battles like Crécy and Poitiers.
- Joan of Arc appears as a unique hero unit in her campaign, granting special bonuses that reflect her historical leadership and morale-boosting presence.