The Third Crusade

1. The Third Crusade

2. The first crusade started in 1189, and ended in 1192; and it was known as the “Kings Crusade.” It was a attempt where some of the European leaders wanted to reconquer the Holy Land from Saladin

3. Military Tactics The primary tactic was a combination of infantry and Calvary. They used formations, they would take their Calvary or units of their formations to attack the enemies flanks. For instance at the battle of Asuf, Saladin broke the formation but hospitallers attacked Saladin’s right flank while templars took their left flank. This allowed the crusaders to get back into their formations.

4. Geography The area that the crusade took place was in Anatolia, Levant, and Israel; each with their own difficult geography. In Anatolia, the eastern part is where the Pontus and Taurus mountain ranges came together. It had high elevation and severe climate with great precipitation. The western half had fertile soils and warmer climate. Levant had all different types of climate: In the north it had the Taurus mountains, the south was desert, and the Mediterranean sea on the west. Israel had mountains in the north, and desert in the south.

5. Who called the Crusade? The third crusade was called upon by Henry I of England and Phillip II. They called this crusade to retake the holy land (Jerusalem) from Saladin (sultan of Egypt and Syria) the leader of the Zengid dynasty.

6. Background of time After the Second Crusade failed, The Zengid Dynasty controlled Syria, and started a conflict with the Fatimid rulers of Egypt. This caused Egypt and Syria to merge together under the command of Saladin.

7. Who Was the Crusade Against? The Third crusade wasagainst the Muslims, to be specific the Zengid Dynasty.

8. Goals of the Crusaders The main goal of the Crusaders was to reconquer the Holy land from the Saladin and the Muslims. They also wanted to allow Christian Pilgrims to visit the city.

9. Atrocities of the Third Crusade Saladin raided caravans and killed anyone in his way. He also beheaded people that he thought we not being loyal

10. Legends The legend goes that Robert Lawrence sailed from Cypress to Palestine, and climbed the walls of Acre with 4 other men. Once they were over the walls, they went and opened the gates to the city, and let the armies of the crusaders in the city.

11. Success of the Crusade Although the main goal of the crusade was to retakeJerusalem and it was not reached. The third crusade was successful. This Crusade help bring an end to feudalism and the crusaders brought back valuable goods such as salt and silk. Richard and Phillip also brought down Acre.

12. Crusader Setbacks/ Difficulties The major setback was the land they had to travel to get to the Holy Land. People died before they even got there of starvation, thirst, and even drowning; It was had to supply that many soldiers off the little food that the lands had.

13. In conclusion a treaty was signed by Saladin and Richard the lionheart June 1192 after the battle of Asuf. It stated that Jerusalem would remain under Muslim control, but would be open to Christian pilgrimages. Both of the leaders didn’t get what the wanted but they had to settle with it. The Muslim ruler was weakened by the expense of the war and king Richard had to deal with threats to his kingdom back home.

14. Timeline 1187- Saladin crushes the crusaders armies at Hittin 1189- The Third Crusade begins 1190- Fred Barbarossa drowns crossing the Saleph River 1191- Richard and Phillip arrive in the middle east 1191- Richard and Phillip take Acre. 1191- Richard seizes Asuf. 1191- Phillip leaves after a dispute with Richard. 1192- Richard fails to take Jerusalem. 1192- Richard and Saladin sign a treaty ending their fighting. 1192- Richard leaves Middle East.

15. Timeline Continued 1192-The third crusade ends 1193-Saladin dies in Damascus