Richard+the+Lionheart-LeoFried

Leo Fried Richard the Lionheart 467 words 4/9/12 What is greatness within a leader? Greatness within a leader, is the ability to not only maintain power of ones kingdom, but to lead his or her empire to prosperity. During his reign over England, King Richard I or Richard the Lionheart, was able to accomplish both of these tasks, without being present for almost sixty percent of the time. Therefore, Richard the Lionheart of England was the greatest leader to ever live, because of his ability maintain power over England and to bring success and accomplishment to his kingdom.

Another aspect of greatness is the ability to travel through adversity. Throughout the late 1100's, which were Richard the Lionheart's early years, he had experienced a mild amount of failure due to his unsuccessful revolt of his father in 1174. After his attempted revolt, as the Duke of Brittany, King Richard I spent most of his time rebuilding his courage, by putting ends to various uprisings in local areas. Finally, in 1183 following the death of his brother King Henry, Richard I was able to take the throne. During his reign, he earned the reputation as a military force, a great warrior, and a significant political figure. Unlike many other leaders, Richard the Lionheart's succession ended by his death, not by an uprising or military invasion. In fact, Richard the Lionheart was known for his ability to stop revolts from within his kingdom before they got too serious. Richard I's control of his people was a key aspect of why he was the greatest leader to ever live.

In the year 1190, along with King Philip II of France, Richard Lionheart led his military on the third crusade to the holy land in Jerusalem. Fighting multiple battles against the Muslim leader, Saladin, Richard's military was able to capture various cities along the middle east. Although they were unable to gain complete control of Jerusalem, The third crusade was viewed as a success, due to the occupation of Cyprus, Sicily, and the capture of Acre. Richard the Lionheart was able to lead his military and country to prosperity, which is another key aspect of a great leader.

Greatness within a leader, is to lead ones people brighter future, while still maintaing control of their kingdom. Richard the Lionheart was able to both of these things. He not only put down all of the uprises within England, during his time, but also lead his military through the treacherous crusade, and set the standard for the religion of Christianity. Richard the Lionheart was the greatest leader to ever live, because of his control/respect that he gained from his people, and the prosperity he brought to England and Christianity.

Bibliography

"Richard the Lionheart," The Middle Ages .net, April 9, 2012, http://www.themiddleages.net/people/richard_lionheart.html Score: 17 "Richard I (1157-1199)," BBC, April 9, 2012, http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/richard_i_king.shtml Score:18 "Richard I Coeur de Lion," Britannia, April 9, 2012, http://www.britannia.com/history/monarchs/mon27.html Score: 15