The Plantagenets were a royal dynasty that ruled England from the 12th to the 15th centuries. They originated from the region of Anjou in France and are known for their significant influence on English history, including the establishment of the English common law and the development of parliamentary systems. Key monarchs from this family include Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, and King John. The Plantagenet era was marked by notable events such as the Magna Carta in 1215, which limited the powers of the king and laid the groundwork for modern democracy. The dynasty eventually split into two branches: the Lancasters and the Yorks, leading to the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne.