Richard the Lionheart and the Crusader King

This episode follows the reign of Richard I, the Lionheart, one of England's most legendary kings. Crowned in 1189, Richard devoted his energy not to governing England but to fighting abroad. He led the Third Crusade, winning battles against Saladin but failing to retake Jerusalem. On his return, he was captured and held for an enormous ransom, which nearly bankrupted England. Richard spent little time in his kingdom, focusing instead on wars in France against King Philip II. He died in 1199 from a crossbow wound during a siege. Though his reign left England heavily taxed and financially weakened, his courage and military genius made him a symbol of chivalry and heroic kingship. Richard's absence and extravagance set the stage for his brother John's troubled rule, where rebellion and the Magna Carta would redefine the crown.