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Siege of Acre, 1189 - 1191 ⚔️ Third Crusade (Part 1) ⚔️ Lionheart vs Saladin

HistoryMarche・22 minutes read

The Battle of Hattin led to the Christian army's defeat by Saladin, prompting a renewed Crusade, known as the Third Crusade, which culminated in the successful Siege of Acre led by King Richard of England. The Siege of Acre lasted 653 days, resulting in significant casualties on both sides and the surrender of the city to the Crusaders, highlighting the brutality and complexities of medieval warfare.

Insights

  • Conrad of Montferrat became a prominent Christian leader in the Levant following the Battle of Hattin, showcasing the emergence of new figures amidst the loss of Holy Land territories and Crusader leadership.
  • The Siege of Acre during the Third Crusade, marked by strategic fortifications and prolonged conflict, culminated in the surrender of the city's defenders to the Crusaders, highlighting the relentless determination and eventual success of the Christian forces despite significant casualties and internal disputes.

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Recent questions

  • What significant event occurred on July 4th, 1187?

    Battle of Hattin

  • Who emerged as a key Christian leader after the Battle of Hattin?

    Conrad of Montferrat

  • What prompted the call for a renewed crusade to retake Jerusalem?

    Disastrous Second Crusade

  • Who led the English contingent in the Third Crusade?

    King Richard I

  • How did the Siege of Acre end?

    Surrender of the city's defenders to the Crusaders

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Summary

00:00

Third Crusade: Triumph and Betrayal in Acre

  • The Battle of Hattin on July 4th, 1187, led to the destruction of the Christian army by Saladin, who swiftly captured Acre, Haifa, Caesarea, Jaffa, and Sidon, leaving only Tyre in Christian hands.
  • Conrad of Montferrat emerged as a key Christian leader in the Levant after the loss of much of the Holy Land and Crusader leadership.
  • Pope Gregory VIII issued a Papal bull calling for a renewed crusade to retake Jerusalem after the disastrous Second Crusade.
  • Prince Richard, King Henry II of England, and King Philip II of France committed to a new crusade, known as the Third Crusade, with the introduction of the "Saladin Tithe".
  • King Henry II's death in July 1189 left King Richard I to lead the English contingent in the Third Crusade, joined by Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.
  • Guy of Lusignan, released by Saladin, betrayed his oath and led an army to Tyre, where he clashed with Conrad of Montferrat.
  • The Siege of Acre began on August 28th, 1189, with Guy's army trapped between the defenders of Acre and Saladin's relief army.
  • Saladin's attempts to break the Crusader siege lines were met with strong resistance, and reinforcements from the west bolstered the Crusader forces.
  • The Crusaders, led by Conrad of Montferrat, launched a successful attack on Saladin's army on October 4th, 1189, resulting in a rout of the Muslim forces.
  • The Crusaders' victory was marred by looting in the Muslim camp, halting their momentum and allowing Saladin to regroup and save his army.

17:35

Saladin's Forces Overwhelm Crusaders at Acre

  • The Crusaders, initially favored in battle, found themselves sandwiched between the Acre garrison and Taqi al-Din’s men, leading to disorganization in their ranks.
  • Saladin's forces took advantage of the situation, engaging the Crusaders and causing chaos among them, with looters trapped in tents and fleeing soldiers caught from behind.
  • The Crusaders broke and retreated towards Acre, with Muslim riders in close pursuit, resulting in a massacre.
  • Saladin's forces, with a pincer movement, overwhelmed the Crusaders, causing significant casualties on both sides during the October Battle of the Siege of Acre.
  • After the defeat, the Crusaders fortified their camp, receiving reinforcements and preparing for a prolonged siege.
  • The Crusaders constructed protective ditches, ramparts, and palisades around their camp, anticipating further attacks.
  • Winter weather brought relief to the Muslims, hindering Christian ships and causing the departure of most of the fleet.
  • The starving Acre garrison sought negotiations with the Crusaders, offering surrender in exchange for their lives, which was initially declined.
  • Muslim reinforcements managed to enter Acre, boosting the garrison's morale and capabilities.
  • The Crusaders, facing challenges and losses, continued their assaults on Acre, with King Richard of England leading a focused attack on the Cursed Tower, eventually breaching the city's walls after a prolonged and costly siege.

35:19

Siege of Acre: Crusaders' Victory and Fallout

  • The Siege of Acre, lasting 653 days, ended on July 12th, 1191, with the surrender of the city's defenders to the Crusaders. Approximately 19,000 Christian troops were killed during the siege, with the city's garrison losing 5 to 10,000 men and Saladin's relief army suffering greatly as well. After the surrender, Richard the Lionheart ordered the execution of 2,700 survivors of the Acre garrison due to ransom disputes and the refusal to return a piece of the True Cross. The rift between Crusader leaders widened, with King Philip of France and Leopold of Austria leaving for Europe, while Richard led the Crusader army to continue the campaign against Saladin, aiming to retake Jerusalem.
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