Why Did the Third Crusade Start?
The Third Crusade began after the famous Muslim leader, Saladin, captured Jerusalem in 1187. Saladin had united the Muslims of Egypt and Syria and launched a holy war against the Christian forces in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Christians fought Saladin near the Lake of Galilee but were defeated, and their king was captured. Even the Holy Cross they carried was taken by Saladin. This news shocked Europe, leading to calls for another Crusade to reclaim Jerusalem.
The Leaders of the Third Crusade
Three of the most powerful rulers in Europe joined the Third Crusade:
- King Richard I of England, also known as Richard the Lionheart.
- King Philip Augustus of France.
- Emperor Frederick Barbarossa of Germany.
Each of these leaders brought large armies to reclaim the Holy Land.
How King Richard Raised Money for the Crusade
To fund his participation in the Crusade, King Richard I:
- Persecuted and robbed the Jews.
- Imposed heavy taxes on the people of England.
- Sold lands, offices, and even threatened to sell the City of London if it could raise more money.
The Death of Frederick Barbarossa
The German emperor, Frederick Barbarossa, who was about 70 years old, led his army across Asia Minor. However, during the journey, he drowned while crossing a river. Many of his soldiers were disheartened by his death and returned home, leaving much of his army lost.
The Siege and Capture of Acre (1191)
The remaining forces of England and France arrived at the city of Acre, which had been under siege by Christian forces for some time. Despite Saladin’s efforts to save the city, the Crusaders managed to capture Acre in 1191 after a long and costly battle. However, tensions between King Richard and King Philip led to Philip’s early departure, leaving Richard to continue the Crusade alone.
King Richard and Saladin: A Rivalry of Respect
Although King Richard and Saladin were enemies, both leaders displayed acts of chivalry and respect toward each other:
- When Richard was sick with a fever, Saladin sent him fresh fruit.
- After Richard’s horse was killed in battle, Saladin gifted him a new Arabian steed.
For two years, Richard the Lionheart fought fiercely against Saladin, trying to recapture Jerusalem, but was ultimately unsuccessful.
The Truce Between Richard and Saladin
By 1192, Richard and Saladin agreed to a truce. Although the Crusaders couldn’t capture Jerusalem, the agreement allowed Christians to visit the city without paying tribute and ensured that Christian pilgrims could safely access the holy sites. The coastal cities from Jaffa to Tyre would remain under Christian control.
King Richard’s Return and Capture
On his way back to England, King Richard was shipwrecked and then captured by the Duke of Austria, whom Richard had offended earlier. Richard was only released after a large ransom was paid—twice the annual income of England.
The Legacy of the Third Crusade
Although Jerusalem was not recaptured, the Third Crusade helped secure Christian coastal cities and allowed safe passage for Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. Richard the Lionheart gained a reputation as a heroic and chivalrous leader, even though the Crusade did not fully achieve its goals.