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The Third Crusade: Richard the Lionheart and Saladin - FULL DOCUMENTARY

Real Crusades History・66 minutes read

The Third Crusade led by figures like Richard the Lionheart aimed to recover Jerusalem from Saladin, resulting in key victories like the conquest of Acre and Jaffa. Despite some setbacks and challenges, the Crusaders achieved significant strategic gains and secured a three-year truce with Saladin, allowing Christian pilgrims access to Jerusalem.

Insights

Frederick Barbarossa meticulously organized the German army during the Third Crusade to avoid past mistakes, securing safe passage through diplomacy, showcasing strategic foresight in military campaigns.
Richard the Lionheart's victory at the Battle of Jaffa during the Third Crusade secured the coast for the Crusaders, highlighting his diplomatic skills in negotiations with Saladin, leading to a three-year truce and granting Christian pilgrims access to Jerusalem.
The success of the Third Crusade, marked by the reconquest of Acre, Jaffa, and other coastal cities under Richard's leadership, reversed Saladin's gains and captured Cyprus, with historians debating its overall success, considering it a strategically significant expedition for Christians.

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Who led the Holy Roman Empire's army in the Third Crusade?
Frederick Barbarossa

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Summary

00:00

"Frederick Barbarossa's Third Crusade Triumph"

In 1187, Saladin defeated the Crusader army at the Battle of Hatin, leading to the fall of Jerusalem and other Christian territories.
Pope Gregory VIII issued a call to arms, initiating the Third Crusade to recover Jerusalem.
The call for a seven-year truce was made by Pope Gregory to focus on the Holy Land recovery.
Henry II of England and Philip II of France agreed to lead their armies in the Crusade after a powerful sermon by the Bishop of Tyre.
Frederick Barbarossa led the Holy Roman Empire's army in the Third Crusade, departing in April 1189.
Frederick's meticulous organization of the army aimed to avoid the mistakes of past Crusades, securing safe passage through diplomatic negotiations.
Despite agreements, Byzantine Emperor Isaac Angelus viewed Frederick as a threat and sought to hinder the German army's progress.
Frederick's army faced challenges in Byzantine and Seljuk territories, with Isaac's paranoia leading to his own downfall.
Frederick's victory over the Seljuk Turks at Iconium marked a significant triumph in the Crusade.
Frederick's sudden death in June 1190 in Christian Armenia remains shrouded in mystery, with conflicting accounts of the circumstances leading to his demise.

18:02

German Crusade: Frederick's Legacy and Triumphs

Frederick dies, but the German army under Barbaros's son Frederick of Swabia continues the crusade with success against the Byzantines and Turks.
The German crusade faces defeat in Antioch due to a disease epidemic, leading to many deaths and survivors splitting paths.
Frederick of Swabia requests papal recognition for the German hospital at the siege camp of Acre, which later gives rise to the Teutonic Knights.
Frederick of Swabia dies of illness at Acre in early 1191, reducing the German coalition's role in the crusade.
Duke Leopold of Austria takes command of the German forces at Acre, but the primary war effort is led by Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France against Saladin.
Despite Frederick's untimely death, his campaign showcases remarkable victories and competence of the German army.
Guy of Lusignan, the titular king of Jerusalem, faces challenges from Conrad of Montforon in Tyre, leading to a struggle for leadership.
Guy of Lusignan lays siege to Acre, a crucial port in Palestine, with a growing army, prompting a general assault planned for October 4th.
The battle for Acre sees a long and bloody fight, with the Templars suffering heavy casualties and the Christians enduring a serious defeat initially.
Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France embark on the Third Crusade, with Richard's organizational skills and commitment standing out, while Philip's efforts are half-hearted and poorly funded.

34:16

Richard's Conquests and Diplomacy in Crusades

Isaac's camp was surrounded by Richard's forces, leading to Isaac's defeat and Richard seizing his standard, treasure, and horses.
Local aristocrats submitted to Richard after his victory, prompting Isaac to sue for peace on May 11.
Richard received a visit from Jeffrey and Ghee of Lusegnan, seeking his support for Ghee's claim to Jerusalem's crown.
Richard married Princess Berenguela on May 12 in Lima Soul's Chapel of St. George, with the Crusaders celebrating their union.
Isaac attempted to stall for time but eventually surrendered to Richard, who accepted his terms and took control of Cyprus by June 1.
Richard's conquest of Cyprus was strategically crucial, providing provisions and a base for future crusades.
Richard then joined the siege of Acre, where his fleet's blockade and military tactics led to the city's surrender on July 12.
Richard negotiated the succession of the Kingdom of Jerusalem between Guy and Conrad, ensuring a compromise for their rule.
King Philip abandoned the crusade, leaving Richard to lead the efforts against Saladin, who manipulated negotiations over prisoners.
Saladin's failure to ransom prisoners led to Richard executing them, causing internal strife within Saladin's forces and hindering his leadership.

49:49

Richard's Decisive Victory in the Third Crusade

The Sultan urged his men on during the holy war, emphasizing the importance of valiant crossbowmen and archers in the third crusade.
Richard arranged his infantry and archers to march alongside cavalry, protecting them from enemy arrows.
The Christians were hemmed in by Saladin's attacks, with crossbowmen walking backward to maintain marching order while holding back the Turks.
The Crusaders' marching order caused the Muslims to attack at closer range, using lances for direct attacks.
Richard hoped to force Saladin into close-quarter fighting to launch a decisive charge shattering the Saracen ranks.
The Crusaders finally gave charge in three waves, coordinated by signals from Richard's trumpeters.
Richard personally led the fighting, pursuing the Turks with ferocity, clearing a path with his sword.
Saladin's nephew rallied some Muslims, but Richard's final charge devastated their cavalry, sealing victory.
Richard's victory at Arsuf allowed the Crusaders to occupy Jaffa and later Ashkelon, securing control of the coastal plain.
Richard's plan to attack Ashkelon instead of Jerusalem was successful, disrupting Saladin's supply routes and expanding Christian control in Palestine.

01:05:27

Richard's Strategic Decisions in Third Crusade

The council decides to abandon the assault on Jerusalem due to Richard's observations being deemed correct.
Muslims in Jerusalem are elated as they expected a Christian attack, with Saladin exploiting divisions between Richard and the French.
French Crusaders, led by Hugh of Burgundy, withdraw to Acre and Tyre, refusing to join Richard's Egyptian campaign.
Richard focuses on securing Ashkelon and Jaffa, facing a lack of unity among the Crusaders.
In July 1192, the Third Crusade reaches an impasse as Richard declines to attack Jerusalem, highlighting his dependence on his fleet.
Saladin requests Richard to demolish Ashkelon, but Richard refuses, strengthening its defenses instead.
Saladin moves towards Jaffa to cut Richard's lands in two, prompting Richard to assemble his forces quickly.
Saladin besieges Jaffa, with fierce fighting leading to the Christians sending emissaries to negotiate terms.
Richard's timely arrival at Jaffa with a small force leads to a successful counterattack, saving the city.
Richard's diplomatic skills are evident as he interacts with Saladin's envoys, emphasizing his victory at Jaffa to encourage peace negotiations.

01:21:35

Richard's Triumph in the Third Crusade

Richard charges recognizing the collapsing morale of Saladin's army, demoralizing the Muslim host and exposing Saladin's inability to control his forces.
The Battle of Jaffa results in a crucial victory for Richard the Lionheart, securing the coast for the Crusaders and confirming the strategic reality in Palestine.
Negotiations between Richard and Saladin lead to a formal three-year truce, acknowledging Richard's conquests and granting Christian pilgrims access to Jerusalem.
Richard's success in the Third Crusade is highlighted by the reconquest of Acre, Jaffa, and other coastal cities, reversing Saladin's gains and capturing Cyprus.
Historians debate the success of the Third Crusade, with some considering it a highly successful expedition due to the regained territory and strategic achievements for the Christians.

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