I'll explain why. I tend to rate kings on their ability to lead, both the country and armies. This tends to favour those that, by the standards of our time, are violent and some may say bloodthirsty. However, when reading about their lives I can not help but be in awe of the bravery and courage they display. For me it is important as if these traits were not on show then their ability to inspire their armies to feats of courage and bravery equal to their own would be infinitely more difficult.
While I have to admit that there have been successful leaders, who have failed to show these character traits I rate so highly. I can't help but favour those that show them and King Richard is, I believe, one of the best.
What stood out for me with King Richard was that he managed to hold together an empire that spread across a large portion of europe at a time when communication and travel was primitive. What makes this feat even more impressive was that he spent many years far enough away for it all to crumble around him. Firstly away in the holy land and secondly in captivity. All of this while the French King (Phillip) and his brother John made things, if a little understated, difficult.
How was this achieved? Was it his sheer force of character or could it simply be that there was no credible alternative.
I have heard some say that his mother, Elenor, was a formidable force, that at times she may have been the glue that held it all together. However, in my opinion this can only be part of the answer.
A stronger case is that King Richard was a formidable general. In a time when seiges were common and pitched battles brutal, he was far and away best in class. Until his death he consistantly made his enemies look like fools, the King Philip was a regular. This is the same French King that easily dispatched John when he succeed Richard to the throne, and breaking up this huge empire. Some argue that he had learnt his lessons and circumstances were different. However I can not believe that the outcome would have been the same had an arrow not cut short this great Kings life.
I would be interested in your thoughts on this so please leave some comments and links to other blogs articles that you feel would be of interest
Yellowplay
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