King John Quiz- May Half term

When did John become king?

• 1204

• 1199

• 1215

• 1189

Answer explanation

John became king in 1199 after the death of his brother, King Richard I. This marked the beginning of his reign, making 1199 the correct answer.

What nickname meant John had no lands?

• Softsword

• Lackland

• Lawless

• Redhand

Answer explanation

The nickname 'Lackland' refers to John having no lands, as it literally means 'without land.' This contrasts with the other options, which do not specifically denote a lack of territory.

What empire did John inherit?

• Carolingian

• Angevin

• Habsburg

• Saxon

Answer explanation

John inherited the Angevin Empire, which was established by his father, Henry II of England. This empire included territories in England and parts of France, distinguishing it from the other empires listed.

What land did John still hold in France by 1204?

• Normandy

• Brittany

• Anjou

• Gascony

Answer explanation

By 1204, John lost most of his French territories, including Normandy. However, he retained Gascony, which was a significant region in southwestern France, making it the correct answer.

Who did the French barons back as king?

• Hugh de Lusignan

• Arthur of Brittany

• Philip II

• Stephen Langton

Answer explanation

The French barons supported Arthur of Brittany as king due to his claim to the English throne through his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, making him a legitimate contender against King John.

What happened to Arthur in 1202?

• He was crowned

• He disappeared

• He fled to Rome

• He married Isabella

Answer explanation

In 1202, Arthur of Brittany disappeared under mysterious circumstances, which led to speculation about his fate. This event was significant in the context of the power struggles of the time.

Who used Arthur’s death to invade?

• Otto IV

• Philip II

• Richard I

• Pope Innocent

Answer explanation

Philip II used the death of Arthur, the heir to the English throne, as an opportunity to invade England and strengthen his claim to the French territories, capitalizing on the resulting instability.

What insulted Hugh de Lusignan’s family?

• John taxed their land

• John married Isabella

• John arrested Hugh

• John stole their horses

Answer explanation

John married Isabella, which was a significant insult to Hugh de Lusignan's family, as it involved a political alliance that undermined their status and power.

What did John refuse to do in 1200?

• Pay homage

• Go to court in France

• Join the Pope’s army

• Leave England

Answer explanation

In 1200, John refused to go to court in France, which was a significant act of defiance against King Philip II. This refusal contributed to the tensions between England and France during his reign.

Why was the Angevin Empire hard to control?

• Bad harvests

• It was spread over large distances

• It had no towns

• It lacked soldiers

Answer explanation

The Angevin Empire was hard to control primarily because it was spread over large distances, making communication and governance difficult. This geographical challenge hindered effective rule and coordination across its territories.