England

Richard
RICHARD THE LIONHEART (1157-1199)

Richard I was the third of five sons of King Henry II of England and seemed unlikely to become king, but all his eldest brothers predeceased their father. He was born in England, where he spent his childhood, however, he lived most of his adult life in the southwest of France. He was known as Richard the Lionheart because of his reputation as a great military leader and warrior. Most of his life as King was spent on Crusades, in captivity, or actively defending his lands. He is well remembered as an honorable King who battled Sultan Saladin during the Crusades. Nowadays, his popular image is dominated by the positive qualities of chivalry and military competence.