3rd Crusade

“The Third Crusade, spanning the years 1187-92, was the most interesting of them all. It was the largest military endeavor of the middle Ages and it brought a fury of the entire Crusading movement to its zenith. Perhaps most important it brought two of the most remarkable and fascinating figures of the last millennium into conflict.”(Source)The Third Crusade had reason for being started, just as the first two crusades. This particular movement happened during the years of 1189 to 1192 and started because of the capturing of Jerusalem by Saladin. This specific crusade had many important figures to history which is very important to the foundation of Europe and eventually the Americas. (Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)


Upon hearing that Jerusalem had been captured the Christians immediately went on another crusade. It was the first time that the Europeans united with each having strong leaders and strong armies. Richard the Lionhearted was successful in raising money for the Crusade, he went to the major extremes just to provide. In fact, “When some one expostulated with him on the means employed to raise money, he declared that "he would sell the city of London, if he could find a purchaser."” (Source) The first to die of the great leaders in this crusade was Frederick Barbarossa, the German Emperor. At the age of 72 this great leader with his army went on yet another Crusade. They fought through the Turks in Asia Minor and other many hardships, but many of these men, including Frederick drowned while crossing a river. The others were heartbroken from losing their fearless leader. (Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)

The Siege of Arce was the first and strongest victory during this Crusade, and it was by far the leading achievement during this expedition. The English and the French put together their efforts and arranged approximately 600,000 men. These numbers were outstanding and defeated the siege, despite Saladin’s strong efforts. The two leaders of this great victory were King Phillip from France and King Richard the Lionhearted from England. They combined created an unstoppable duo; however quarrels stood in the way of future successes. King Phillip went home as a result, and left King Richard in charge of the Crusade from then on; this was the time that Richard had to show his skills. (Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)


King Richard the Lion-hearted conducted himself with greatness while fighting in the Holy Land. “The knightly adventures and chivalrous exploits which mark the career of Richard in the Holy Land read like a romance.” (Source) At the battle of Arsouf, September 7, 1191 King Richard was able to show his great tactical knowledge. Saladin had set and ambush to end the battles but King Richard had already pre-pared for this. Saladin now had greater respect for King Richard and decided never to pull a direct attack again. As a result of lack of supplies and the winter chill Richard was unable to put a siege on the Jerusalem and was in terrible circumstances. However a treaty was made between Saladin and King Richard and after this the Crusaders went home. “Both Richard and Saladin emerged from the Third Crusade with enhanced reputations, Saladin as the best of the infidels, and an honorable enemy, Richard as one of the great generals, and as a heroic knight.” (Source) (Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)


The big question that needs to be answered is, was it a successful Crusade? Well although Europe’s main goal of taking back Jerusalem was not completed the English and French captured Arce. Not to mention that every crusade slowed the progression of the Islamic movement. The Crusade also brought trade routes and new supplies to the European scene. “All in all, the 3rd crusade could be described as a successful crusade.” (Source) The Crusades are fascinating to look at, to see how old Europe interacted and what were the values of the people back then. It is seen that the values are much different now. The interaction during battles and the chivalry that knights had back then are all different from the interactions we experience now. The Crusades however still directly had an impact on what happened in the future. Source) (Source) (Source; Google Books)