The attempts to capture Jerusalem

When was the Battle of Arsuf?

1191

Why was Saladin determined to beat Richard?

Saladin was determined to hold Jaffa and southern Palestine to keep his reputation

What were the events of the Battle of Arsuf?

Waves of Muslims attacked crusaders - Richard didn’t want to break formation - the Muslims couldn’t get in - Richard then turned around and attacked the Muslims which was successful as it forced Saladin to retreat.

Why did Richard target Ascalon?

It was closet to Egypt and he was trying to restore the crusader states - an immediate attack on the ports would damage communications with Egypt

What was the opposition against Richard and his plan to go to Ascalon?

The nobles wanted to do a full frontal attack on Jerusalem

Why were the crusaders slowed down on the way to Ascalon?

Richard ordered them to rebuild the castles which Saladin destroyed to cut communications between the crusaders. Also the poor weather made it much harder (they set out in October).

What evidence is there of Richard being diplomatic with the Muslims?

Richard negotiated with the sultan’s brother on how they’d split up Jerusalem through a marriage deal with Richard’s sister but this didn’t go plan.

Why did Richard decide to not go to Ascalon?

The winter slowed them down - it took two months to reach Beit Nuba and there supply line wasn’t connected

When did Richard decide to withdraw from Ascalon and what was the impact with his troops?

Jan 1192 - loss of morale and divided his army

When did divisions within the crusaders begin to be clear?

When Conrad openly challenged Guy, leading to the nobility believing he couldn’t rule Jerusalem when the crusade ended. In mid-April, Richard switched his support to Conrad. When Conrad was assassinated, many believed Richard did this which put immense pressure on him.

What other problems did Richard face in England while he was away?

His viceroy in England was exiled and it was rumoured that Philip helped Richard’s brother start a coup against Richard.

Why was Saladin’s power weakening?

His physical strength was poor even though his commitment to jihad was strengthening; his financial resources was diminishing as he struggled to pay for the way and he also faced internal struggles.

What was Saladin’s main priority when the crusader’s tried for the second time to capture Jerusalem?

To survive and retreat to Jerusalem

Why did the second attempt to capture Jerusalem seem more successful?

They got to Jerusalem quicker and successfully attacked a Muslim caravan of supplies and the weather was better. Also they allergy found parts of the True Cross. Also Saladin knew they were a threat as he poisoned the water wells outside of Jerusalem.

What were the problems when trying to capture Jerusalem for the second time?

Their supply lines were vulnerable there was a lack of resources. A majority of people wanted to leave (only the French wanted to stay). The MO wanted to retake the coast. The lack of manpower made them weaker and the wet weather and rebuilding of castles made them slower and Richard wanted to go to Egypt and doubted that they’d be able to even get into Jerusalem. - So the crusaders retreated.

How did Saladin try to take advantage of the crusaders retreating?

By launching a lightening attack on Jaffa and they destroyed its walls

What did Richard do when he heard of the news of the attack on Jaffa?

He rushed down to Acre and launched a seaborne attack

What occurred at the Battle of Jaffa?

• Richard stopped - unsure that Saladin took the citadel which had the remaining Christians in it

• Richard knew he was outnumbered but he ordered a surprise attack and won - Richard’s skill as a leader

What motives did Richard have in signing the agreement with Saladin?

He was dangerously ill and was worried about his territory in France so signing the truce could help end the conflict

What were the terms of the Treaty of Jaffa?

• It was a three year truce

• Saladin was to retain control of Jerusalem

• Ascalon’s fortifications were once again destroyed so the crusaders wouldn’t have a base to attack Egypt

• The crusaders were allowed to keep Acre and Jaffa and the coastal strip in between

• Christian pilgrims are allowed to go to Jerusalem

Why did Saladin want the truce to be three years?

So Richard wouldn’t have time to return

After Conrad’s murder, who replaced him?

Henry of Champagne - he was a popular choice as he helped both Richard and Philip and he was experienced

What happened to Richard after the Third Crusade?

He was recognised and captured as he was blamed for Conrad’s death

What happened to Saladin after the Third Crusade?

His empire broke up after his death