King John
At a glance:
- Series: Dictionary of World Biography: Middle Ages
- Categories: Government and Politics, Royalty, Rulers, Nobility
- Subcategories: Kings, Queens, Kingdoms, Monarchy
- Curriculum: British History, Medieval History/Middle Ages
Article abstract: King John’s poor statesmanship was primarily responsible for the downfall of the Angevin Empire and the decreased power of the English monarch, as reflected in the Magna Carta.
Early Life
John was the youngest son of King Henry II and his queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, younger by eleven years than Prince Henry, by nine than Richard “Lion Heart,” by eight than Geoffrey. At five feet, five inches tall, he never measured up to his tall elder brothers. The effigy on his tomb at Worcester Cathedral, carved fifteen years after his death,...
[The entire page is 2091 words long]
Join eNotes
Over 3,500 study guides, question and answer forums, literature criticism, reference content, and much more!
