Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, was the king of England from 1189 to 1199. He was reputed to be a great military leader and warrior. He was just 16 when he took command of his own army while joining his brothers in a rebellion against his father King Henry II of England. He not only possessed considerable political and military abilities, but was also known for his highly attractive physical attributes which made him a popular king and the hero of numerous romantic legends. Born as the third legitimate son of King Henry II of England, the chances of him ascending the throne as his father’s successor were slim. One of his elder brothers had died as an infant. His other elder brother Henry the Young King was the heir apparent to the throne. However, the untimely death of Henry the Young King made Richard the king-in-waiting. Richard I became the King of England upon the death of his father and gained a legendary status as an iconic warrior and military leader. He also ruled as Duke of Normandy (as Richard IV), Duke of Aquitaine, Duke of Gascony, Lord of Cyprus, Count of Poitiers, and Count of Anjou at various times during his reign as the King of England.