Course of the Crusades
History: KS3, topic 2.3.4
Course of the Crusades
The Crusades continued for several centuries after the First Crusade of 1096. The Crusaders were unable to keep the Kingdom of Jerusalem and were defeated by 1396 AD.
The First Crusade
- The First Crusade seriously challenged the Muslim Seljuk Turks.
- The Kingdom of Jerusalem, which had been established by the Crusaders in 1099 AD, continued until 1187 AD.
Saladin
- However, a new Muslim leader, called Saladin, was gaining power in the 12th Century.
- Saladin united areas in Egypt, Syria and Palestine.
- Saladin attacked Jerusalem and defeated the Christians in 1187 AD.
- Unlike the Christians in the First Crusade, Saladin was merciful and did not kill all the Christians. Instead, he held knights for ransom (money).
The Second & Third Crusade
- The second crusade started in 1147 to try to recapture Edessa and ended in 1150.
- Following Saladin’s victory, English Christians launched a third Crusade in 1189.
- The English Crusaders were led by the English King, Richard I (Richard the Lionheart).
- The Crusaders seized the port of Acre.
- However, despite their efforts, the English Crusaders did not reach Jerusalem.
- On their return, Richard I was captured and held for ransom until 1194 AD.
The Crusade for Constantinople
- In 1204 AD the Pope used a crusade to capture Constantinople (in the Byzantine Empire). This was because Christians in Europe were divided from those in the Byzantine Empire.
- This crusade was between Christians.
The Children's Crusade
- The ‘Children’s Crusade’ was launched in 1212 AD. These crusaders were young soldiers. However, they were captured and sold as slaves.
The final Crusades
- Attempted crusades between 1217 AD and 1250 AD all failed.
- In 1396 AD the final crusade was attempted. French and Hungarian knights fought Muslims at the Battle of Nicopolis. They were all killed. This is known as the ‘last’ crusade.
Test yourself on Course of the Crusades
Who was the new Muslim leader who gained power in the 12th century?