Scientists from the University of Leicester have identified the remains as those of the former king, who died more than 500 years ago. Here's why this is really cool.
Scientists today confirmed that the human remains found underneath a parking lot in central England are those of the country's King Richard III.
Image by University of Leicester / AP
Richard III was King of England from 1483-1485. He was the last ruler of the once-powerful medieval Plantagenet dynasty and the last monarch from the British House of York.
Image by Neil Hall / Reuters
After his brother King Edward IV's death, Richard was appointed Lord Protector of the realm for his 12 year-old nephew Edward V. Soon after the young king arrived in London, Richard declared him illegitimate and took the throne for himself.
Image by Hulton Archive / Getty Images
The new king housed Edward and his 9 year-old brother Richard in the Tower of London (ostensibly for their protection). They were never seen after the summer of 1483, leading to rumors that the boys were murdered on Richard III's orders.
Richard III's alleged murder of his nephews gave rise to the legend of the "Princes in the Tower."
Image by Hulton Archive / Getty Images
