The Third Crusade
The Crusades were a series of ruthless campains aimed at conquring the muslems and capturing Jerusalem.
Reasons for the Crusade:
The Crusades began with the Christians and the Muslims fighters over the Holy Land. In the medieval times religion played a big part in every day life, affecting everything from your social class to what you do on a Friday night. With religion playing such a large role in peoples lives, the holy places such as Jerusalem,were a place of special signifigance any strong religious people.
People fought in the crusades fiercely and brutally, all in the name of God. It was thought that by fighting in the crusade they guarantee themselves a place in heaven and would "right their wrongs." In 1095, Pope Urban the second made one speech that had a great affect on many people. He passed the message that is was Gods will for these crusades to be carried out. This speech made thousands of knights, peasants and children get up and march to Jerusalem to fight.
Leaders:
Saladin was the enemy of the English crusades. It was he who took the holy land from the Christians during the first crusade. He was born in 1137 in a small town in Mesopotamia but grew up in Damascus. As a teenager Saladin wanted to be a Muslim scholar rather than a soldier. When his uncle died, Saladin, at the age of 31, became the commander of the troops and Egypt. From 1174 to 1186 Saladin attempted to unite Palestine, Mesopotamia and Syria under his control. Saladinšs great achievements inspired the third crusade, which failed to harm Saladin. On March 4, 1193, Saladin died, known as a great Muslim hero, after successfully beating all of the crusades.
Richard the Lion Hart was,a great war hero and was respected throughout Europe. He was born in September 8, 1157 and was enthroned in 1172. Richard played a vital role in the success of the third crusade, by conquering Acre. and He also settled a much needed peace treaty which helped make the 3rd crusade a success.
Frederic the first of Germany was born in 1122 and was crowned in 1155. Frederic was known for his anti pope views of life and strongly believed in urban development. Frederic played a minor part in the third crusade. He took his army and marched over the mountain pass while the others sailed across the sea. His campaign was cut short when he drowned in a fast moving river, forcing his army to turn back and head home.
King Philip of France was born on August, 21, 1165 and died July 14 ,1223. Philip was recognized for his extraordinarily large army and was successful in many campaigns. In the 3rd crusade he and Richard the Lion Hart both set off sailing across the Mediterranean Sea from the French shore. After sailing across the sea he met up with Richard and laid siege on Acre. He spent 23 months fighting at Acre until he and Richard were finally able to conquer it. When they were done with Acre they marched to Jerusalem. Along the way Richard and Philip got in a squabble and Philip ended up going home.
The Outcome:
Although the main goal of the crusades, to free Jerusalem, was not reached and only the first and third crusades where actually successful the crusades help end the age of feudalism. The crusaders brought back valuably goods that the English had never seen before such as salt and silk. This inspired people to run trade routs eventually ending feudalism completely.
The third crusade was one of the only crusades that was successful even though it did fail at its main goal. Richard and Philip managed to bring down Acre but because of an argument that they got in Philip went home and Richard failed to conquer Jerusalem. However Richard did settle a peace treaty with Saladin, to allow pilgrims entrance to the holy city. All in all the 3rd crusade could be described as a successful crusade.
-This is a scene from The Third Crusade-
Reference List:
Bridge, Antony.
The Crusades.
New York: Franklin Watts.
1982
Jones, Terry.
Crusades.
New York:
Facts on File.
1995
Comptonšs Interactive Encyclopedia
Comptonšs NewMedia, inc.
1994
