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Baldwin IV, Leper King who Defeated Saladin - FULL DOCUMENTARY

Real Crusades History・62 minutes read

Sultan Saladin conquered the Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem after a victory at Hattin, facing strong opposition from the leper king Baldwin IV but ultimately prevailing, leading to significant conflicts and alliances in the region that shaped the course of history.

Insights

  • Baldwin IV, despite his leprosy, was a formidable commander who valiantly defended Jerusalem against Saladin, showcasing his dedication to his Christian faith and the kingdom.
  • Saladin's victory at Hattin allowed him to conquer the Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem due to his advantage in controlling territory and larger armies, marking a significant turning point in the region's history.
  • The marriage decisions made by Baldwin IV to secure the kingdom's future, marrying Sibila to Guy of Lusignan and Isabella to Humphrey IV of Toron, led to factionalism and threats to the kingdom's stability, highlighting the complexities of political alliances in the medieval era.

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Recent questions

  • Who won the battle at Hattin?

    Saladin

  • Who was the leper king of Jerusalem?

    Baldwin IV

  • What was the outcome of the battle at Montgisard?

    Victory for King Baldwin IV

  • Who was appointed as Regent by King Baldwin IV?

    Guy of Lusignan

  • What led to the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin?

    Battle at Hattin

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Saladin's Triumph Over Jerusalem's Leprous King

  • Sultan Saladin won a victory at Hattin, allowing him to conquer the Crusader kingdom of Jerusalem.
  • Saladin's triumph occurred two years after the death of Baldwin IV, the leper king of Jerusalem.
  • Baldwin IV, despite his leprosy, was a formidable commander who posed a challenge to Saladin.
  • Saladin had the advantage of controlling the territory around Baldwin's kingdom and larger armies.
  • Baldwin, driven by his Christian faith, valiantly defended Jerusalem against Saladin.
  • Baldwin IV was born into a kingdom at war, established by Frankish knights after the First Crusade.
  • Baldwin III's unexpected death led to Amalric becoming the new king of Jerusalem.
  • Amalric had to annul his marriage to Agnes to be confirmed as king, despite having legitimate children.
  • Baldwin IV showed early symptoms of leprosy, which was diagnosed when he was around nine years old.
  • Baldwin IV ascended the throne at 13, crowned on the 75th anniversary of the Crusader conquest of Jerusalem.

17:24

Strategic Marriages, Battles, and Alliances in 1176

  • In 1176, the court arranged a marriage between Sibila and William Longsword, Marquis of Montferrat, a politically strategic choice.
  • William Longsword died within a year, leaving Sibila pregnant and complicating the kingdom's leadership succession.
  • Saif Arden of Mosul organized a coalition against Saladin, leading to a battle near Aleppo in April 1176.
  • Saladin emerged victorious, advancing on Aleppo, but made a truce with the Zengids, restoring Azaz.
  • Baldwin the Leper attained his majority in July 1176, refusing to renew Raymond of Tripoli's peace treaty with Saladin.
  • Baldwin appointed Jocelyn of Courtney as Seneschal, curbing Saladin's ambitions and leading to a battlefield victory against the Ayyubids.
  • Saladin attacked the Assassin Fort of Masyaf, concerned about their threat, leading to a conflict with Baldwin IV's forces.
  • Baldwin struck an alliance with the Byzantine emperor, establishing Manuel as the protector of Eastern Christendom.
  • Baldwin made Reynald of Chatillon a key vassal, disrupting Saladin's supply lines and reducing Ayyubid power.
  • In November 1177, Saladin invaded Christian territory with a large army, leading to a decisive battle at Montgisard where King Baldwin IV achieved a significant victory.

34:56

"Jacob's Ford: Baldwin's Castle and Legacy"

  • Baldwin initiated the construction of a new castle at Jacob's Ford in 1178, collaborating with the Knights Templar to protect the vulnerable frontier position.
  • The castle's inner wall was completed by spring 1179, with the outer wall still unfinished, intended to be one of the strongest in the region.
  • Saladin offered Baldwin 60,000 dinars to destroy the castle, escalating to 100,000 dinars, but Baldwin refused both proposals.
  • Saladin launched a force to test the castle's defenses in May 1179, leading to a significant battle on June 10th at Marge Ayun.
  • Saladin's surprise assault during the battle led to a decisive defeat for the Crusaders, with many Templars captured or slain, including their Grand Master Odo of Saramon.
  • Saladin successfully captured the castle at Jacob's Ford on August 24th, inflicting a major reverse on the Kingdom's defenses.
  • Baldwin IV's deteriorating health due to leprosy prompted him to secure the future of his kingdom by seeking a suitable husband for his sister and heir, Princess Sibila.
  • Despite initial disapproval, Baldwin married Sibila to Guy of Lusignan, aiming to counter potential power grabs by other nobles and strengthen ties with powerful rulers like Henry II of England.
  • The marriage decision solidified a fault line within the kingdom's ruling elite, leading to factionalism and potential threats to the kingdom's stability.
  • Baldwin's efforts to stabilize the kingdom included betrothing his younger sister Isabella to Humphrey IV of Toron, strengthening alliances and securing the succession.

51:58

Saladin's Campaign Against the Crusaders

  • Saladin complained to King Baldwin about Reynold's raid, acknowledging the breach of the truce.
  • Historians like Bernard Hamilton reevaluated the situation, suggesting Reynold acted with Baldwin's approval.
  • Saladin aimed to prevent Crusaders from gaining control of Aleppo, planning to unite Islam for a final war against the Crusaders.
  • Saladin returned to Damascus to secure communications with Egypt and launch a campaign against Jerusalem.
  • Saladin's forces besieged the Frankish castle of Beth's son in southern Galilee.
  • The Christian Army, led by King Baldwin, clashed with Saladin's forces near La for ballet in Southeastern Galilee.
  • Saladin was defeated, withdrawing across the Jordan, thwarting his attempt to destroy the kingdom.
  • Saladin organized a joint attack on Beirut, ravaging the city and its vicinity.
  • King Baldwin IV recognized the threat and protected Beirut while keeping his army at Tire as a base of operations.
  • Saladin's failed attack on Beirut inflicted damage on the Crusader Kingdom's economic resources, prompting further raids by the Crusaders.

01:08:27

Baldwin's Reign: Challenges and Succession Plans

  • Baldwin fell ill, unable to join the Army, while Selden approached with his army, creating a tense situation.
  • King Baldwin appointed Guy of Lucina as Regent, imposing conditions to prevent him from seeking kingship or giving away royal assets.
  • Guy of Lucina, criticized by William of Tire for incompetence, faced the challenge of Saladin's invasion.
  • Selden's army invaded Galilee but was repelled by the Franks, leading to skirmishes and casualties.
  • Saladin attempted to provoke the Christians into battle but failed, eventually retreating back to Damascus.
  • King Baldwin, displeased with Guy's handling of the campaign, resumed full power and took steps to isolate him.
  • Baldwin had his nephew crowned as King Baldwin V, supported by key nobles like Raymond III and Baldwin and Balian.
  • Baldwin sought help from King Henry II of England for a new Crusade against Saladin, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
  • Saladin besieged Karak, but the Franks defended it successfully, prompting Saladin to retreat and plunder nearby areas.
  • Baldwin, in his final days, appointed Raymond III as Regent for the young King Baldwin V, securing the kingdom's future.
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