The Magna Carta or 'Great Charter' was an agreement imposed on King John of England (r. 1199-1216) on 15 June 1215 by rebellious barons in order to limit his power and prevent arbitrary royal acts like land confiscation and unreasonable taxes. Henceforward, the king would have to consult a defined body of laws and customs before making such declarations.
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Definition
Timeline
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15 Jun 1215The Magna Carta is signed by King John of England.
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1225The Magna Carta is reaffirmed by Henry III of England.
