A History of the Crusades, Vol. III

1. The Third Crusade: A Clash of Titans and Missed Opportunities

‘The kings of the earth, and all the inhabitants of the world, would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem.’

A World in Shock. The fall of Jerusalem to Saladin in 1187 sent shockwaves across Western Christendom, prompting the Third Crusade. This was not just a military campaign; it was a response to a profound spiritual crisis, a desperate attempt to reclaim the holiest city from the infidel. The news of Hattin and Jerusalem's fall shattered the illusion of Frankish invincibility, revealing the precariousness of their hold on the East.

Three Kings, Divergent Paths. The Crusade was led by three powerful monarchs: Richard I of England, Philip II of France, and the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa. Each had their own motivations and priorities, which often clashed. Frederick, an aging warrior, was driven by a personal desire to fight the infidel, while Philip's participation was more politically motivated. Richard, the Lionheart, was a complex figure, a brilliant military leader but also impulsive and prone to violence. Their divergent paths and personal conflicts ultimately undermined the Crusade's potential.

Barbarossa's Fiasco. The death of Frederick Barbarossa in Anatolia was a devastating blow to the Crusade. His army, the largest single force ever to leave on a Crusade, was demoralized and fragmented. The loss of their charismatic leader highlighted the fragility of the Crusader movement, which often relied on the strength of individual personalities rather than a unified purpose. The failure of the German contingent underscored the challenges of coordinating a large, diverse army across vast distances.

2. Acre: The Crucible of Crusader Ambition and Folly

‘Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon, and against the Chaldean, which besiege you without the walls.’

A Siege of Attrition. The siege of Acre became a protracted and brutal affair, a microcosm of the larger conflicts in the Holy Land. The city, a vital port and strategic stronghold, was fiercely contested by both sides. The siege dragged on for years, marked by periods of intense fighting, disease, and famine. It became a symbol of the Crusaders' determination and their inability to achieve a decisive victory.

Rivalries and Factions. The siege of Acre was not just a battle against the Moslems; it was also a battle between the Crusaders themselves. The rivalry between Guy of Lusignan and Conrad of Montferrat for the crown of Jerusalem further divided the Frankish forces. The arrival of new contingents from the West only added to the chaos, as each group had its own agenda and loyalties. The internal conflicts within the Crusader camp mirrored the larger divisions within Christendom.

A Turning Point. Despite the internal strife, the siege of Acre marked a turning point in the Crusades. It was the first major Christian victory since the disaster at Hattin, and it demonstrated that the Franks were still capable of fighting back. However, the victory was costly, and it did not lead to the recovery of Jerusalem. The siege of Acre became a symbol of the Crusaders' resilience and their ultimate failure to achieve their primary goal.

3. Coeur-de-Lion: A Lionheart's Legacy of Valor and Violence

‘I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction. The lion is come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way.’

A Warrior King. Richard I, known as Coeur-de-Lion, was the embodiment of the chivalrous warrior king. His courage, military prowess, and charisma inspired his troops and struck fear into his enemies. He was a natural leader, capable of commanding men and winning battles. His reputation as a warrior king preceded him, and his arrival in the East was met with both hope and trepidation.

A Flawed Hero. Despite his military brilliance, Richard was a flawed hero. He was impulsive, prone to violence, and often lacked political astuteness. His personal quarrels and his inability to compromise undermined the unity of the Crusader forces. His actions, such as the massacre of the Saracen prisoners at Acre, were brutal and counterproductive, further alienating the Moslems and damaging the Crusader cause.

A Legacy of Legend. Richard's legacy is a complex one. He was a brilliant military leader, but also a flawed human being. His exploits in the Holy Land became the stuff of legend, inspiring generations of knights and warriors. However, his actions also contributed to the failure of the Third Crusade and the growing animosity between Christians and Moslems. His story is a reminder that even the greatest heroes are not without their faults.

4. Outremer's Second Kingdom: A Fragile Realm Forged in Conflict

‘And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah.’

A Narrow Strip of Land. The Third Crusade, despite its grand ambitions, resulted in the establishment of a much smaller and more fragile Frankish kingdom. The Franks controlled only a narrow strip of land along the coast, from Jaffa to Tyre, with a few isolated outposts further north. This second kingdom of Outremer was a shadow of its former self, constantly threatened by the Moslems and plagued by internal divisions.

A Precarious Existence. The second kingdom of Outremer was a precarious entity, dependent on the shifting alliances and rivalries of the Moslem world. The Franks were forced to navigate a complex political landscape, balancing their desire for territorial expansion with the need for peaceful coexistence with their neighbors. Their survival depended on their ability to adapt to changing circumstances and to maintain a delicate balance of power.

A Legacy of Resilience. Despite its fragility, the second kingdom of Outremer endured for another century. Its survival was a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Frankish colonists. They developed a unique culture, blending Western and Eastern traditions, and they managed to maintain a semblance of order in a chaotic world. Their story is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, human communities can find ways to survive and even thrive.

5. Misguided Crusades: The Perils of Religious Zealotry

‘She that was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces, how is she become tributary! . . . , all her friends have dealt treacherously with her, they are become her enemies.’

The Fourth Crusade's Betrayal. The Fourth Crusade, intended to liberate the Holy Land, was diverted to Constantinople, resulting in the sack of the Byzantine capital. This act of betrayal not only destroyed a great Christian civilization but also further alienated the Eastern Orthodox Church from the West. The Fourth Crusade became a symbol of the corruption and misguided zealotry that had come to characterize the Crusading movement.

The Children's Crusade. The Children's Crusade, a tragic episode in the history of the Crusades, demonstrated the dangers of religious fanaticism and the exploitation of the innocent. The story of the children who set out for the Holy Land, only to be sold into slavery or to perish along the way, is a stark reminder of the human cost of misguided faith. It highlights the need for critical thinking and the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders.

A Legacy of Division. The misguided Crusades, particularly the Fourth, left a legacy of division and mistrust between the Eastern and Western Churches. The sack of Constantinople and the subsequent establishment of the Latin Empire further widened the schism between the two branches of Christendom. These events demonstrated the destructive potential of religious zealotry and the importance of tolerance and understanding.

6. Mongols and Mameluks: A New Power Struggle in the East

‘Can two walk together, except they be agreed?’

The Rise of the Mongols. The emergence of the Mongol Empire under Jenghiz Khan and his successors dramatically altered the political landscape of Asia. The Mongols, a nomadic people from the steppes of Central Asia, conquered vast territories, including Persia, China, and parts of Russia. Their military prowess and their ruthless efficiency made them a formidable force in the East.

The Mameluks of Egypt. The Mameluks, a military caste of slave soldiers, rose to power in Egypt in the mid-thirteenth century. They were skilled warriors and shrewd politicians, and they quickly established themselves as the dominant force in the region. Their victory over the Mongols at Ain Jalud in 1260 marked a turning point in the history of the Middle East.

A Clash of Empires. The rivalry between the Mongols and the Mameluks became a defining feature of the late thirteenth century. The two powers clashed repeatedly in Syria and Palestine, each seeking to expand its influence and control. The Franks of Outremer were caught in the middle of this power struggle, forced to navigate a complex political landscape and to choose sides in a conflict that was not of their making.

7. The End of Outremer: A Legacy of Loss and Resilience

‘And now, I have sent a cunning man, endued with understanding.’

The Fall of Acre. The fall of Acre in 1291 marked the end of the Frankish presence in the Holy Land. The city, the last major Crusader stronghold, was captured by the Mameluks after a fierce siege. The loss of Acre was a devastating blow to the Crusader cause, and it signaled the end of an era. The Franks were forced to abandon their dreams of a Christian kingdom in the East.

A Legacy of Loss. The end of Outremer was a tragedy for the Franks who had settled there. They lost their homes, their lands, and their way of life. Many were killed or enslaved, and those who escaped were forced to seek refuge in Cyprus or in the West. The loss of Outremer was a reminder of the fragility of human endeavors and the impermanence of earthly power.

A Legacy of Resilience. Despite the loss of their kingdom, the Franks of Outremer left behind a legacy of resilience and cultural exchange. They had created a unique society, blending Western and Eastern traditions, and they had demonstrated their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Their story is a reminder that even in the face of defeat, human communities can find ways to endure and to leave their mark on history.

8. Commerce and Culture: The Enduring Legacy of Outremer

‘By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence.’

A Crossroads of Trade. Outremer was a major center of trade, connecting the East and the West. The Frankish ports, particularly Acre, were bustling hubs of commerce, where merchants from all over the world came to buy and sell goods. The trade routes that passed through Outremer brought wealth and prosperity to the region, but they also created tensions and rivalries.

A Blend of Cultures. The Franks of Outremer were not just warriors and merchants; they were also patrons of the arts and sciences. They built magnificent castles and churches, and they created a unique culture that blended Western and Eastern traditions. Their art, architecture, and literature reflected the diverse influences that shaped their lives.

An Enduring Legacy. Despite the loss of their kingdom, the Franks of Outremer left behind an enduring legacy. Their castles and churches still stand as testaments to their skill and ingenuity. Their legal and administrative systems influenced the development of law in the West. Their story is a reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of the Crusades and their lasting impact on the world.

Last updated: January 23, 2025