John and the 'Lionheart'

John was the youngest son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, the King and Queen of England. When Henry II died, John's older brother Richard became the King of England. Richard I was called the 'Lionheart' because he was a brave warrior who was often away from England fighting. One time, when Richard I was fighting on a crusade, John began to rule the country as if he was the king. This made Richard I angry, and John was exiled for two years; but returned to be named Richard's heir.