Soldiers of the cross

Saladin united the Muslims and easily defeated the Christian forces at the Battle of the Horns of Hattin. He went on to retake Jerusalem. Only three coastal cities remained in Christian hands: Tyre, Tripoli and Antioch. European leaders Richard I (the Lionheart) of England and Philip II of France also had problems cooperating and managed to achieve only minimal military success. Richard did manage to secure a treaty with Saladin for pilgrims to visit Jerusalem. Frederick I of Germany drowned on his way to the Holy Land.

Other Crusades

Five more expeditions were launched over the next 78 years with varying success.

Children's Crusade (1212): Thousands of French and German children between the ages of 10 and 18 embarked on a campaign to recover Jerusalem. They believed God would part the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and deliver them to the Holy City. Many died of exposure or starvation. Those who survived the trek were either drowned or sold into slavery. Few returned home.

Jerusalem was held again by Christian forces for a brief time (1229-44).

Factoids

Jews were often the target of Crusaders because of the belief they were enemies of Christ.

Military orders of monks, such as the Templars and Hospitallers, were established to protect Christian pilgrims. Inductees were required to take vows of poverty, chastity and obedience.

The siege of Acre was broken when Richard the Lionheart ordered 100 beehives catapulted into the city.

The conquest of Jerusalem (1099) was marked with looting and a killing frenzy. It was noted that the horses were wading in blood up to their knees.

Casualties

Total deaths during the Crusades (1096-1270) are estimated at about 1.5 million. Many of the deaths are attributed to starvation and disease.

Pilgrim deaths due to disease . . . .50,000

Fall of Antioch (1098) . .100,000 Muslims

Fall of Jerusalem (1099) .70,000 Muslims

Children's Crusade (1212) . . . . . . . .50,000

The Crossbow

Crossbows were considered so dangerous that in 1139 the Catholic Church tried to ban their use, except against Muslims.

The crossbow was one of the most lethal weapons used in the Crusades. Proficiency in its use could be achieved in a short period of time, unlike conventional archery, which took years to master.

Loading

Loading stirrup secured with leather thongs.

A cord with an iron hook fastened to a leather belt was used to draw the bowstring.

Christian knight

Seven-eighths of the Christian army was made up of infantry

armed with spears, axes and crossbows.

Iron helmet, or helm, was carried on the knight's saddle when not in use.