Final Answer:
By September 1192, Richard the Lionheart had been captured and imprisoned in Germany on his way back to England from the Holy Land.
Step-by-step explanation:
In September 1192, the state of Richard the Lionheart was one of captivity. After his return journey from the Holy Land, Richard found himself in a perilous situation. He was captured near Vienna by Leopold V, Duke of Austria, who accused Richard of arranging the murder of his cousin, Conrad of Montferrat. Subsequently, Richard was handed over to the Holy Roman Emperor, Henry VI, and was imprisoned in the fortress of Dürnstein in the Austrian Alps. This period of captivity marked a challenging phase for Richard, and his release was eventually secured through negotiations involving a substantial ransom payment.
The circumstances leading to Richard's capture were influenced by the complex dynamics of medieval politics and the rivalries among European monarchs. The imprisonment of a reigning monarch, especially one as prominent as Richard the Lionheart, had significant implications for the political landscape of the time. The events of September 1192 showcased the intricate interplay of power, alliances, and personal vendettas that characterized medieval European geopolitics. Richard's release, negotiated through the payment of a considerable ransom, reflected the geopolitical realities of the late 12th century and highlighted the importance of diplomatic negotiations even in the face of military prowess.