Gone Medieval Medieval Europe's Most Evil Monarch
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Dec 30, 2025 Dive into the dark side of medieval history! Discover the tumultuous tales of notorious rulers like Pedro the Cruel, known for his dramatic vengeance and tragic romances. Unpack Richard the Lionheart's controversial reign, marred by heavy taxation and alleged massacres. Meet Isabella the She-Wolf, whose thirst for power led to a bloody overthrow in England. And don't miss the chilling exploits of Vlad the Impaler, whose gruesome methods earned him a legendary, if twisted, status. Rankings reveal who truly earned the title of the most evil monarch!
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Revenge Shapes Pedro’s Reputation
- Pedro I of Portugal pursued personal revenge after his mistress Inez was murdered, reportedly killing her killers in brutal fashion.
- Chroniclers embellished events (exhuming Inez, crowning her corpse) to reflect court perceptions rather than verified facts.
Courtly Love vs. Dynastic Duty
- Courtly love norms allowed nobles to keep mistresses but condemned publicizing or elevating them above dynastic marriage.
- Pedro's attempt to make a mistress his queen transgressed those chivalric expectations and scandalized contemporaries.
Richard I: King In Name, Taxman In Practice
- Richard I treated England as a cash machine, levying heavy taxes to fund his crusading and selling offices for revenue.
- His long absences and violent actions (e.g., mass execution of prisoners) made him widely unpopular and damaged England's stability.
