3.1 Geography and the Economy (All in 1)

Where was Edessa located and why was this significant

Edessa was located to the north-east of Antioch, making it highly exposed to Turkish attacks

How did Zengi impact the history of Edessa

From 1127, Zengi began consolidating Muslim territory, increasing pressure on Edessa and contributing to its vulnerability

What were the main economic activities in Edessa

Farming near the Euphrates River and animal herding on the high plateaux

How did Baldwin I govern Edess’a population

He kept largely Armenian population and elite structure intact to ensure cooperation and stability

What happened at the Battle of Harrran in 1104

Count Baldwin of Edessa was captured, leading to a regency dispute with Tancred, which Baldwin I of Jerusalem resolved by Force

How did Edessa and Jerusalem work together to support Antioch

Joselin I of Edessa and Baldwin II of Jerusalem acted as regents to repel the Turkish threat when Antioch lacked leadership

What happened after the Byzantine emperor died in 1143

Zengi resumed attacks, and Edessa, lacking strong external support, faced a crisis that led to its eventual fall

What does the fall of Edessa illustrate about the Crusader states

It shows how geography and economy influenced their strengths and vulnerabilities

Where was the principality of Antioch located in relation to other Crusader states

Between the County of Edessa and the sea

What two main threats did Antioch face due to its geography

The Byzantine Empire in the north, and the Turks on its south-eastern frontier

What made Antioch more politically independent than other Crusader states like Edessa

Its princes did not owe allegiance to the king of Jerusalem

Why did Antioch still rely on Jerusalem despite its political independence

Because of severe military threats that required external support

How many times did Jerusalem intervene to help Antioch between 1110 and 1137

At least 15 times

What issue did King Baldwin II of Jerusalem resolve in Antioch around 1119

He became regent when Antioch was left without a ruler after Bohemond I’s death

What did Antioch do when Jerusalem couldn’t provide support in the mid-1100s

Paid homage to the Byzantine emperor to gain military aid

What event in 1188 marked a major territorial loss for Antioch

Saladin captured Latakia, physically cutting Antioch off from its Frankish allies

How did Tripoli’s geograpghy benefit its development in Outremer

Its coastal location provided access to trade routes and ports, attracting settlers and boosting its economy

How did Tripoli attempt to assert independence from Jerusalem

Despite beinf a vassal, it resisted control, notably during succession disputes, such as Bertrand taking control without following King Baldwin' I’s settlement

What external threat weakened Tripoli’s independence

Increasing Turkish attacks forced Tripoli to rely more on Jerusalem and military support

How did Tripoli’s relationship with military orders change over time

Tripoli granted castles and territory to the Hospitallers in 1144 and 1177 and to the Templars in 1167 for protection

What happened to Count Raymond III of Tripoli in 1164

He was captured by the Turks and held in Damascus until a ransom of 80,000 bezants was paid

Why were the seaports of Outremer like Acre and Tyre important

They provided fast, safe access for goods, people, and military support from Europe

How did the seaports help Outremer’s economy

They connected Outremer to major trade routes, allowing for the export of goods like sugar and spices and the import of cotton, metals, and food

What role did Italian cities like Genoa and Venice play in the seaports

They set up trading communities in return for military help, gaining land and special trading rights

What were some ways the seaports made money

Fees for shipping, harbour taxes, storage rent, and taxes on goods and pilgrim services

How did the seaports improve military safety for Outreme

After Ascalon fell in 1153,Egyptian fleets had no place to stop, reducing attacks on the coats and European ships

What was a key military advantage of having seaports

They allowed naval help from allies to support Outremer’s military campaigns

Why was outside naval help important for Outremer

Outremer didn’t have a strong navy of its own and needed allies for sea power, especially during events like the Third Crusade