2.3.4 Richard's decision to attack Sicily and Cyprus

Why did Richard I attack Messina in Sicily in 1190

To force Count Tancred of Lecce to pay his sister’s dowry, which Tancred had refused to hand over

What was the outcome of Richard’s attack on Messina

Richard captured the city and extorted 40,000 ounces of gold from Tancred to fund the crusade

Why did Richard invade Cyprus in 1191

Because 3 of his ships went missing and their crews were imprisoned by Isaac Comnenus, the island’s ruler

What did Richard do with Cyprus after conquering it

He sold it to the Templars for 100,000 bezants, gaining further funds for the crusade