Here is Philip imagined in the Middle East, perhaps at Acre. Philip was more interested in building his empire than he was in crusades. He ruled from 1180 to 1223 and built his family's holdings from around Paris and Orléans to much of the coast along the English Channel, more than doubling his holdings, largely from the England's King John. He was a good organizer and produced financial stability and prosperity. He warred against nobles, checking their power and passing some of it to his middle class subjects. He was the most successful and powerful king of Europe in his day.