ABSTRACT
Richard I (Richard the Lion Heart) ruled England in a time of incessant war. He lived by the principles of chivalry, fought a crusade in the Holy Land, and died near a French battlefield. While Richard I's colorful life embodied many of the ideals of the age of chivalry, his predilection for combat and indifference to the responsibilities of government had largely negative consequences. Richard's code of chivalry made a strong impression upon generations of Europeans. Under the influence of his mother, he had been raised to appreciate the arts and even composed and sang the songs of a troubadour. In military affairs he also made a heroic figure. Richard's lack of involvement in domestic affairs while king of England, ironic in light of his fierce struggle to win the throne in the early years, also had a negative effect upon his immediate successor John.
