Exploring the Kings Crusade
The Third Crusade was the most famous of the Crusades and largest conflict between Europe and the Middle East to date. Due to the prominent leaders that participated on either side this conflict has often been referred to as The King's Crusade. In this assignment you will explore the key figures from either side of this conflict, by following the QR codes below. Each resource will be accompanied by several questions for you to consider.
Resources:
Richard the Lionheart
- What Nation did Richard I rule?
- Why did Richard participate in the Crusade?
- Who was Richard's primary Ally?
- Who was his primary Adversary?
- What was the cause of Richard's Death?
Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub (Saladin)
- Where was Saladin from?
- What were the first two nations Saladin gained control over?
- Saladin was able to gain enough military strength to combat the European crusaders by doing what first?
- What merciful act did Saladin do after the capture of the Holy Land that won him the admiration of his European counterparts?
Phillip II
- What Nation did Phillip hale from?
- What were his reasons for participating in the Third Crusade?
- How did Phillip betray Richard I?
Guy de Lusignan
- How did Guy de Lusignan become King of Jerusalem?
- How did Guy anger Saladin and help to end the peace between Muslims and Christians?
- Who replaced Guy as the King of Jerusalem?
Baldwin IV
- What major disease did Baldwin IV suffer from?
- What nation was Baldwin the King of?
- How did Baldwin maintain peace in the Holy Land?
Assignment:
Now that you have explored these five historic leaders I want you to pick one of them and write a short letter home as if you were a soldier in one of their armies. Have fun and create a persona for your character. Give him/her a name accurate to the time and region they are from and a short backstory. Maybe they were the second son of a noble lord or a peasant from the fields prior to the war. This letter should include why you joined the army (was it by choice or were you conscripted), what cause your leader is fighting for (religious, political, greed, etc...) and your impressions on your adversaries (are they formidable, do you consider them to be savages, will you win quickly or will the war be long and difficult). Please type your letter and submit it via email.