Richard was born to King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine as their third son. He grew up in his mother's court in Aquitaine, immersed in troubadour culture and military training.

Richard was invested as Duke of Aquitaine, his mother's vast inheritance in southwestern France. This made him one of the most powerful nobles in Europe.

Richard joined his brothers and mother Eleanor in revolt against Henry II. The rebellion sought independence from their father's overbearing control.

The rebellion failed, and Richard was forced to submit to his father. Eleanor was imprisoned, but Richard was pardoned and retained his duchy.

Richard proved his military genius by capturing the supposedly impregnable castle of Taillebourg in just two days, crushing a major baronial revolt.

Richard's elder brother Henry the Young King died of dysentery. Richard was now heir to England, Normandy, and Anjou in addition to Aquitaine.

After the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin, Richard was among the first major rulers to take crusading vows. He began massive preparations for the Third Crusade.

After Henry II's death, Richard was crowned King. He immediately began raising funds for his crusade, famously saying he would sell London if he could find a buyer.

Richard and Philip II of France departed together on the Third Crusade. Richard led the largest, best-equipped army ever assembled for a crusade.

En route to the Holy Land, Richard conquered Cyprus after its ruler Isaac Komnenos insulted and imprisoned shipwrecked crusaders including Richard's betrothed.

Richard arrived at the siege of Acre and quickly forced the city's surrender. His leadership and resources proved decisive in ending the two-year siege.

Richard won a brilliant tactical victory over Saladin at Arsuf. His disciplined march and devastating cavalry charge became legendary in military history.

Richard came within sight of Jerusalem twice but wisely chose not to besiege it, knowing he lacked the forces to hold it even if captured.

Richard negotiated a three-year truce with Saladin, securing Christian access to Jerusalem and coastal cities. He and Saladin developed mutual respect despite being enemies.

Returning from crusade in disguise, Richard was captured by Leopold of Austria, whom he had insulted at Acre. He was imprisoned in Durnstein Castle.

Leopold transferred Richard to Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, who demanded an enormous ransom of 150,000 marks of silver, roughly 35 tons.

After his ransom was paid, nearly bankrupting England, Richard returned home. He quickly suppressed his brother John's attempted usurpation.

Richard was struck by a crossbow bolt while besieging a minor castle. The wound became gangrenous, and the Lionheart died, famously forgiving his killer.