When Jerusalem fell to the Muslims led by Salahaddin, the shocked & awed-Christondem organised a campaign to recapture the city.
King Barbarossa of Germany amassed and led an army of 100,000 crusaders. But on the way, fate has it that the much-feared King DROWNED while crossing a river and the Crusader army turned back in despair.
Richard of England then set out to continue Crusade 3.0 to recapture Jerusalem from Salahaddin. He also wanted to recover the True Cross which Salahaddin supposedly captured in the Battle of Hattin.
Whether or not Salahaddin had indeed kept the True Cross was immaterial as the Crusaders believed it to be a matter of faith. Salahaddin used this to his advantage throughout many campaigns against the Crusaders as a trump card. Some say it was brought to Damascus, Syria . The True Cross would vanish from history.
Richard, a very practical and down to earth commander sold his land, castle and belongings to raise and army of 17000 to Jerusalem. After winning several battles against the Muslims defenders, enroute to Jerusalem, Richard made one momentous decision that changed the entire course of History as we know it.
Richard the Lionheart turned back. And never did set foot in Jerusalem.
King Barbarossa of Germany amassed and led an army of 100,000 crusaders. But on the way, fate has it that the much-feared King DROWNED while crossing a river and the Crusader army turned back in despair.
Richard of England then set out to continue Crusade 3.0 to recapture Jerusalem from Salahaddin. He also wanted to recover the True Cross which Salahaddin supposedly captured in the Battle of Hattin.
Whether or not Salahaddin had indeed kept the True Cross was immaterial as the Crusaders believed it to be a matter of faith. Salahaddin used this to his advantage throughout many campaigns against the Crusaders as a trump card. Some say it was brought to Damascus, Syria . The True Cross would vanish from history.
Richard, a very practical and down to earth commander sold his land, castle and belongings to raise and army of 17000 to Jerusalem. After winning several battles against the Muslims defenders, enroute to Jerusalem, Richard made one momentous decision that changed the entire course of History as we know it.
Richard the Lionheart turned back. And never did set foot in Jerusalem.
