The Third Crusade
Conclusion
Was it worth it?
The period of time after the Third Crusade was a revolutionary time, as it marked the first time Islam and Catholicism found common ground, but should Richard I given up when victory was practically in his grasp. Should the famous English King have even joined the conflict in the first place? Was the treaty between Europe and Saladin a chance to end an unwanted war? The answer to all of these questions is yes.
Tyre and Acre, two English-occupied cities in the Holy Land, had been attacked by Saladin's forces. Richard I really was given no choice but to fight in order to protect his hard won territory.
Richard I needed to depart to war in order to save his own reputation as the fearsome king of a mighty nation, and basic math tells that 2/3 is greater then 1/3.
However, England found themselves at a crossroads when it came to invading Jerusalem. They couldn't hold out against Saladin's army in the spring, and it was heresy to burn the holy city. Richard I's treaty with Saladin was an ingenious way to save his men, remain a faithful servant of Christ, and still manage to claim a small victory in the form of free pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
In the end, The Third Crusade, in both conflict and compromise, was completely worth it.
Tyre and Acre, two English-occupied cities in the Holy Land, had been attacked by Saladin's forces. Richard I really was given no choice but to fight in order to protect his hard won territory.
Richard I needed to depart to war in order to save his own reputation as the fearsome king of a mighty nation, and basic math tells that 2/3 is greater then 1/3.
However, England found themselves at a crossroads when it came to invading Jerusalem. They couldn't hold out against Saladin's army in the spring, and it was heresy to burn the holy city. Richard I's treaty with Saladin was an ingenious way to save his men, remain a faithful servant of Christ, and still manage to claim a small victory in the form of free pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
In the end, The Third Crusade, in both conflict and compromise, was completely worth it.