Revolt of 1173–74

The Revolt of 1173–74, often termed the "Great Revolt," was a widespread rebellion against King Henry II of England, initiated by his own sons - Henry the Young King, Richard (later Richard the Lionheart), and Geoffrey - supported by their mother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. Motivated by grievances over inheritance and power, the princes garnered support from various English nobles, as well as foreign rulers like King Louis VII of France and King William the Lion of Scotland. As the revolt spread across the Angevin Empire, from England to parts of France, Henry II faced challenges on multiple fronts. However, by 1174, he successfully quashed the rebellion, capturing key figures including William the Lion at the Battle of Alnwick. The revolt underscored the fragile nature of medieval dynastic politics and the complexities of the Angevin Empire's vast territories.