John (King John)

King John, who ruled England from 1199 to 1216, was a monarch known for both political skill and controversy. His reign saw conflicts with France and the nobility, leading to heavy taxation and dissatisfaction among his barons. This unrest culminated in the signing of the Magna Carta in 1215, a document limiting royal power and establishing legal rights. Despite this, he struggled with internal and external pressures, ultimately dying in 1216. Historically, King John is often remembered as a symbol of royal overreach and the importance of legal limits on monarchy.