Richard I "The Lion-Hearted"

Richard I Born

Sep 8, 1157

Richard was born at Beaumont Palace just outside of the city of Oxford. Though Richard would not stay in England forever, and eventually he was named Duke of Aquitane and Normandy in northern France. Through his reign as king, he only actually spent about six months in England.(Byers 130).

Richard I

Period: Sep 8, 1157 to Apr 6, 1199

Denmark Civil War Ends

Oct 23, 1157

The Battle of Grathe Heath was fought in Denmark. The battle ended the civil war going on. King Sweyn III was killed during the battle leaving it in control of Valdemar I who would restore the nation.("Historical Events for Year 1157").

Minamoto no Yoshitomo Dies

Feb 11, 1160

Minamoto was a Japanese General and shogun. He held back both the Hogen and the Heiji Rebellions. He is responsible for founding the first shogunate (home of a shogun) in Japan. ("Famous Deaths for Year 1160").

Hurricane Hits Holland

Dec 21, 1163

A hurricane struck the nation of Holland. Villages were struck and as a result there was flooding all throughout the area. With the flooding many in the area died.("Historical Events for Year 1163").

Pope Alexander III Returns

Nov 23, 1165

Alexander III was the pope who is noted for laying the foundation stone of the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris.He had problems with the Danish king and as a result was exiled to France. He was later renamed pope and declared an interdict on the nation of Scotland.("Historical Events for Year 1165").

Construction of The Tower of Pisa Begins

Aug 9, 1173

The Tower of Pisa is a famous tower built in Pisa, Italy. It took 344 years to finish construction of the tower. The tower is still a famous monument today, due to the fact that it is tilting son one side. ("Historical Events for Year 1173").

Battle of Ishibashiyama

Sep 14, 1180

This battle was the first which Minamoto Yoritomo led the Minamoto forces. It was Yoritomo's first attack on the Taira Clan.After the battle, Yoritomo had fled by sea.("Historical Events for Year 1180").

Richard Takes the Throne

Sep 3, 1189

Richard was crowned king of England. Once he was crowned, he was responsible for managing a mighty kingdom built by his father. During his reign, the kingdom was quite vulnerable until he returned from captivity.

Richard Names His Heir

Dec 1, 1189

Richard decided his nephew Arthur would be his heir. However, before he left on the Third Crusade, he named his brother John heir to the throne. This would later effect how England was controlled.(Moss and Wilson 90-91).

Richard Leaves for Palestine

Jan 1, 1190

Richard had left England to fight in the Third Crusade. When he left, he left England vulnerable to attacks from both France and his brother. England was left vulnerable for all four years which Richard was gone. (Byers 130).

Wins the Battle of Arsuf

Sep 7, 1191

On the morning of September 7, 1191, Richard's army was attacked by Saladin's army at Arsuf. Richard had committed all his troops to battle. Richard was victorious at the battle which won Christians land in southern Palestine. (Byers 130).

Richard Wins at Jaffa

Jul 1, 1192

Jaffa was the final battle of the Third Crusade.Richard had won at this battle soon before the end of the crusade. After the English had won the battle, he and Saladin had signed the treaty to end the war. (Byers 130)

Richard Leaves Palestine

Sep 1, 1192

Richard left Palestine at the end of the crusade.Before he left he established a truce with Saladin, leader of the muslim army. Their truce gave Christians a narrow strip of coastal land as well as giving pilgrims the right to visit the holy land. (Byers 130).

Richard is Captured

Dec 1, 1192

While returning home from Palestine, he was captured in Austria. He was held ransom until a ransom of 100,000 pounds had been paid to release him. During his time away John had tried to take the throne. Then when Richard returned, he forgave John for crossing him. (Moss and Wilson 90-91).

Richard is Released

Feb 1, 1194

Richard was released after a large amount of money had been paid to release him. Then Richard was finally able to return home. Since the start of the war and his release, he hadn't been in England for over four years.(Byers 130).

Richard I Dies

Apr 6, 1199

Richard's death was tradgic for the nation of England. For when Richard died, his younger brother John took over. John was a poor ruler and he lost all the land in northern France owned by England. (Byers 130).