Saladin
took Jerusalem igniting the Third Crusade. The Crusaders defeated the Muslims
at key points during the adventure, but could not take Jerusalem. Meanwhile,
Richard the Lionheart’s reign was threatened by his brother John. The English king was
captured in the way back home and ransomed. The Crusade was a success,
but failed in its ultimate goal of retaking Jerusalem.
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jerusalem. Show all posts
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
History Shorts: Saladin captures Jerusalem (1187)
The
Crusaders in the Holy Land lost a decisive battle to Saladin at Hattin.
Afterward, the Islamic warlord slowly pushed back Christian forces. By the end
of 1187, he retook the holy city of Jerusalem from the Crusaders. The defeat horrified
and galvanized Europe and led to the Third Crusade.
Friday, January 24, 2014
History Shorts: The First Crusade (1096)
Europe was
overrun by gangs of nobles that preferred to plunder and kill than better
society. At the same time, most kingdoms were weak. Meanwhile, the Muslims had
expanded to Europe’s door. They would try over the course of 1,000 years to
subjugate the continent. Charles Martel defeated the invaders at Tours in the 8th
century. Pope Urban II decided to try to unite Europeans behind a cause and
defend Christendom’s borders against the Muslims by declaring a crusade. Nearly 40,000 men marched to the Holy Land,
captured Jerusalem, and established colonies in the region.
Sunday, June 2, 2013
History Shorts: Islam takes Jerusalem (638 A.D.)
Muhammad
died in 632. He created Islam, expanded the religion, and left its future to
his followers. Muslims continued to spread their doctrine by the sword. In 636,
Umar the Great laid siege to Jerusalem after defeating the Byzantine Empire at
the Battle of Yarmouk. The city fell and became part of the Caliphate in 638.
Four centuries later, European Christians marched to the Holy Land to reclaim
the city. In the meantime, Islam continued its violent expansion into Africa
and Europe.
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