The year 1215 is significant in history primarily because of the signing of the Magna Carta in England. This document was created to limit the powers of the king and establish certain legal rights for the nobility. It is often considered a foundational step in the development of modern democracy and the rule of law. The Magna Carta was signed by King John of England at Runnymede, near London, on June 15, 1215. It addressed grievances from the barons and set forth principles that would influence many future legal systems, including the United States Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.