# Papacy settles at Avignon (1309)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/1309-papacy-settles-at-avignon
Location: Avignon

The papal court established itself in Avignon, beginning the Avignon Papacy. Within the broader Capetian France period, The Capetian monarchy expanded rapidly under Philip Augustus and his successors. Royal courts, taxation, Gothic culture and crusading flourished as the crown absorbed territories and strengthened institutions. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Philip IV the Fair (King of France). Papacy settles at Avignon mattered because religion was closely tied to political legitimacy, community identity and public institutions. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
Papacy settles at Avignon mattered because religion was closely tied to political legitimacy, community identity and public institutions.

Ruler at the time: [Philip IV the Fair](https://history-france.com/rulers/philip-iv-the-fair)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Papacy settles at Avignon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Papacy+settles+at+Avignon&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Papacy settles at Avignon](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Papacy+settles+at+Avignon)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of French history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_French_history)