Richard I the Lionheart of England

Words and definitions
Christendom – the Christian world
warrior – a fighter, a soldier
put down a rebellion – to suppress a revolt, resistance
Third Crusade – the third military campaign to defend Christian values
to make a truce – to make a temporary agreement to stop fighting
a crossbow bolt – a short arrow with great force

Why did Richard I get the nickname "Lionheart"?
What was Richard’s chief ambition in life?
How did the King spend the last years of his life?

Outline
1. Richard I "the Lionheart" of England: a legendary warrior and the king
2. Richard’s military campaigns in France
3. The Third Crusade
4. Richard’s last years

Richard I "the Lionheart" is a legend both in England and France due to his defense of Christendom and his military genius.
Richard I "the Lionheart" of England was King of England from 1189 till his death in April 1199.
He was the third son of King Henry II of England and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. Richard was raised in France.
Tall, strong, and fearless, he was a warrior. His courage earned him the nickname "Lionheart".

Richard I "the Lionheart" gaining military experience
The future king put down rebellions against his father's rule in Poitou at the age of sixteen.
But due to his resentment towards King Henry II, Richard took part in a failed rebellion against his father in 1174 with his brothers.

Third Crusade
As king, Richard's chief ambition was to join the Third Crusade, prompted by Saladin's capture of Jerusalem in 1187. In 1190 he departed for the Holy Land. On the way Richard conquered Cyprus and granted it to the Templar Order. He arrived at the Holy Land in June 1191. The victories at Acre and Arsuf were important for the crusaders. But Jerusalem, the Crusade's main objective, eluded Richard. In a year the king made a truce with Saladin and started his journey home.

Richard’s last years
Richard I "the Lionheart" spent the rest of his life defending his domains in France against Philip II, showing his usual courage and tactical flair. Richard was hit by a crossbow bolt in central France. He died from this wound in the arms of his mother in 1199.

Noble, fierce and brave…
Richard I "the Lionheart" remains a much – loved figure both in England and France.

Sources:
Chadwick Elizabeth. The Greatest Knight. Published by Time Warner, 2005.
Regan Geoffrey. Lionhearts: Saladin, Richard I, and the Era of the Third Crusade. Published by Walker & Company, 1999.
https://www.bbc.co.uk
https://www.britannica.com