In 1185, King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, known as the 'Leper King,' died, leaving the throne to his young nephew Baldwin V, whom he had crowned co-king two years earlier. Due to the boy’s youth, Count Raymond III of Tripoli acted as regent. However, Baldwin V’s reign was short—he died in 1186 before reaching his ninth birthday. Following his death, his mother Sybilla, sister of Baldwin IV, claimed the crown for herself and installed her husband, Guy of Lusignan, as king. This internal succession crisis weakened the Kingdom of Jerusalem, leaving it vulnerable just as tensions with Saladin, the powerful Muslim leader, were rising—events that would directly contribute to the outbreak of the Third Crusade.<img src='https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/b1/16/20/b116203647ebdf3a50bfd25139b8d7c7.jpg'>The Crusader States after Saladin's conquests and before the Third Crusade. © HistoryMaps

Prologue

Audita tremendi was a papal bull issued by Pope Gregory VIII on October 29, 1187, calling for the Third Crusade. It was issued just days after Gregory had succeeded Urban III as pope, in response to the defeat of the Kingdom of Jerusalem at the Battle of Hattin on July 4 of 1187. Gregory travelled to Pisa in order to end Pisan hostilities with <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/Republic-of-Genoa' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Genoa</a> so that both seaports and naval fleets could join together for the crusade.<img src='https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6e/06/a3/6e06a3822beb6d2cbff6b4e58454e2d5.jpg'>Third Crusades Map. © Anonymous

Pope Gregory VIII calls for the Third Crusade

Jerusalem capitulated to Saladin's forces on Friday, 2 October 1187, after a siege. When the siege had started, Saladin was unwilling to promise terms of quarter to the Frankish inhabitants of Jerusalem. Balian of Ibelin threatened to kill every Muslim hostage, estimated at 5,000, and to destroy Islam's holy shrines of the Dome of the Rock and the al-Aqsa Mosque if such quarter were not provided. Saladin consulted his council and the terms were accepted. The agreement was read out through the streets of Jerusalem so that everyone might within forty days provide for himself and pay to Saladin the agreed tribute for his freedom. An unusually low ransom for the times was to be paid for each Frank in the city, whether man, woman, or child, but Saladin, against the wishes of his treasurers, allowed many families who could not afford the ransom to leave. Upon the capture of Jerusalem, Saladin summoned the Jews and permitted them to resettle in the city.

Saladin captures Jerusalem 

Raynald of Châtillon, who had supported Sybilla's claim to the throne, raided a rich caravan travelling from <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-Egypt' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Egypt</a> to Syria and had its travelers thrown in prison, thereby breaking a truce between the Kingdom of Jerusalem and Saladin. Saladin demanded the release of the prisoners and their cargo. The newly crowned King Guy appealed to Raynald to give in to Saladin's demands, but Raynald refused to follow the king's orders. Saladin begins his call for a holy war against the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Jihad against the Christians

After Raynald of Châtillon’s raid on a Muslim caravan in 1187, Saladin declared jihad and began organizing a massive campaign to eliminate the Crusader states. Tensions between Saladin and the Crusaders escalated rapidly, as both sides prepared for open war. The fragile peace that had existed through a truce was shattered, and Saladin used the raid as a justification to unify Muslim forces under his banner, framing the war as a religious duty to reclaim Jerusalem and expel the Crusaders.Saladin began assembling his army on the Golan Heights in early summer 1187. His goal was to force the Crusaders into a decisive field battle rather than engage in prolonged sieges. By June, Saladin had gathered around 40,000 troops, including 12,000 cavalry, making it the largest force he had ever commanded. Meanwhile, internal divisions crippled the Crusader leadership. King Guy of Lusignan, backed by Raynald of Châtillon and Gerard de Ridefort, led the court faction, while Raymond III of Tripoli opposed them, advocating for caution. Distrust between these factions weakened their ability to respond to Saladin’s growing threat. In May 1187, a disastrous encounter further eroded the Crusaders’ position. At the Battle of Cresson, Gerard de Ridefort led 150 Templars and a small force of infantry to confront Saladin’s raiding forces, only to be ambushed and annihilated. The defeat not only reduced the kingdom’s available knights but also shattered morale. Saladin followed up by launching raids deeper into Crusader territory, sowing further panic.In July, Saladin moved to besiege Tiberias, a strategic fortress held by Raymond’s wife, Eschiva of Bures. Although Raymond personally controlled the city, he advised against marching to its defense, arguing that Saladin’s army could not maintain the siege for long and that a full confrontation would be too dangerous. However, Gerard and Raynald pressured King Guy to act, accusing Raymond of cowardice or betrayal. Against Raymond’s advice, Guy decided to march from La Saphorie to relieve Tiberias, hoping for a decisive victory.<img src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f3/Hattin-map-es.svg/1248px-Hattin-map-es.svg.png'>Battle of Hattin map. © AnonymousOn July 3, 1187, the Crusader army—numbering around 20,000—began its march. They were immediately harassed by Saladin’s skirmishers, who slowed their progress and prevented them from reaching water sources. With their men and horses suffering from thirst and exhaustion, the Crusaders altered their course toward the springs of Hattin, hoping to reach them before nightfall. Saladin anticipated the move and positioned his forces to block their path.That night, the Crusaders camped near the Horns of Hattin, surrounded by Saladin’s army. The Muslim forces kept up the pressure by chanting, playing drums, and setting the dry grass on fire, choking the Crusaders with smoke. By morning, the Crusader army was desperate and disorganized. They attempted multiple charges to break Saladin’s lines, but were repeatedly driven back. Raymond managed to escape with a small force, but the rest of the army was overwhelmed.On July 4, Saladin’s forces crushed the Crusaders, capturing or killing most of their troops. The relic of the True Cross was seized, and key figures, including King Guy and Raynald, were taken prisoner. Saladin personally executed Raynald for breaking the truce, though he spared Guy. The defeat at Hattin left the Crusader states defenseless, enabling Saladin to rapidly capture Jerusalem and other key cities.The collapse of the Kingdom of Jerusalem following Hattin shocked Christendom, prompting Pope Gregory VIII to call for the Third Crusade. This campaign would bring leaders such as Richard the Lionheart, Philip II of France, and Frederick Barbarossa to the Holy Land, aiming to reclaim Jerusalem and restore Crusader power.

Battle of Hattin

The Siege of Acre (1189–1191) was a defining event of the Third Crusade, marking the Crusaders' first major counteroffensive against Saladin after his conquest of Jerusalem. Following Guy of Lusignan’s release from captivity after the Battle of Hattin, he found himself blocked from entering Tyre by Conrad of Montferrat. Denied a base there, Guy marched south to lay siege to Acre, a strategically important coastal city and a key military hub for Saladin. The siege began in August 1189, with both the Crusaders and the Muslim defenders receiving reinforcements by sea, leading to a grueling two-year stalemate. Saladin's forces surrounded the Crusader camp from outside the city, effectively creating a double siege. Though the Crusaders managed to block Acre’s harbor for a time, Saladin broke through occasionally with supply ships, keeping the garrison supplied.<img src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bc/Saladin_and_the_fall_of_the_Kingdom_of_Jerusalem_%281898%29_%2814784203012%29.jpg'>Siege of Acre Map. © Lane-Poole, Stanley, 1854-1931During the siege, the arrival of European leaders such as Philip II of France and Richard I of England (the Lionheart) in 1191 shifted the momentum in the Crusaders' favor. Their armies bolstered the Crusader camp, and with superior siege engines, the Crusaders finally breached Acre’s defenses. The city surrendered on July 12, 1191. However, tensions among the Crusader leaders—especially between Guy of Lusignan and Conrad of Montferrat over who should rule Jerusalem—complicated the victory. <img src='https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/63/df/79/63df7991a23226fe18cc3b54a5895ac4.jpg'>Map of Acre in the 13th century. © AnonymousFollowing Acre’s surrender, Richard executed 2,700 Muslim prisoners after failed negotiations with Saladin, provoking a harsh response. The capture of Acre provided the Crusaders with a crucial foothold, but despite further successes, including the victory at Arsuf, they ultimately failed to retake Jerusalem. By 1192, political disputes and growing pressures back in Europe led Richard to negotiate a truce with Saladin, ending the Third Crusade. Though the Crusaders retained a coastal presence with Acre as their new capital, Jerusalem remained under Muslim control.

Siege of Acre

After the devastating fall of Jerusalem in 1187, Pope Gregory VIII issued the papal bull Audita Tremendi, calling for the Third Crusade to reclaim the holy city. In response, <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-Germany' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Frederick I</a> Barbarossa, the Holy Roman Emperor, took the cross in 1188, pledging to lead a massive expedition to the Holy Land. At a public ceremony in Mainz, Frederick and his nobles vowed to join the crusade, demonstrating his commitment to defend Christendom.Frederick’s participation was crucial, as his empire provided both manpower and resources on a scale unmatched by other European rulers. He spent the following months preparing an army estimated at around 15,000 troops, including 2,000–4,000 knights, ensuring that they were well-provisioned for the long journey east. The expedition departed from Regensburg. Unlike other Crusader leaders, Frederick had previous military experience in the region from the Second Crusade, giving him a reputation as a capable and determined commander.Frederick began his overland march to the Holy Land in 1189, traveling through Byzantine territory. However, political tensions with Emperor Isaac II of Byzantium delayed his progress, as Isaac had aligned with Saladin to avoid conflict.

Frederick Barbarossa takes the cross

After reaching Anatolia, Frederick was promised safe passage through the region by the Turkish <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/Sultanate-of-Rum' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Sultanate of Rum</a>, but was faced instead with constant Turkish hit-and-run attacks on his army. A Turkish army of 10,000 men was defeated at the Battle of Philomelion by 2,000 Crusaders, with 4,174–5,000 Turks slain. After continued Turkish raids against the Crusader army, Frederick decided to replenish his stock of animals and foodstuffs by conquering the Turkish capital of Iconium. On 18 May 1190, the German army defeated its Turkish enemies at the Battle of Iconium, sacking the city and killing 3,000 Turkish troops.

Battle of Iconium

Richard captured the city of Messina on 4 October 1190. Both Richard and Philip wintered here in 1190.Philip left Sicily directly for the Middle East on 30 March 1191 and arrived in Tyre in April; he joined the siege of Acre on 20 April. Richard did not set off from Sicily until 10 April.

Richard captures Messina

The Battle of Philomelion (Philomelium in Latin, Akşehir in Turkish) was a victory of the forces of the Holy Roman Empire over the Turkish forces of the <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/Sultanate-of-Rum' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Sultanate of Rûm</a> on 7 May 1190 during the Third Crusade. In May 1189, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa began his expedition to the Holy Land as part of the Third Crusade to recover the city of Jerusalem from the forces of Saladin. After an extended stay in the European territories of the Byzantine Empire, the Imperial army crossed over to Asia at the Dardanelles from 22–28 March 1190. After surmounting opposition from Byzantine populations and Turkish irregulars, the Crusader army was surprised in camp by a 10,000-man Turkish force of the Sultanate of Rûm near Philomelion on the evening of 7 May. The Crusader army counterattacked with 2,000 infantry and cavalry under the leadership of Frederick VI, Duke of Swabia and Berthold, Duke of Merania, putting the Turks to flight and killing 4,174–5,000 of them.

Battle of Philomelion

Henry II of England and Philip II of France ended their war with each other in a meeting at Gisors in January 1188 and then both took the cross. Both imposed a 'Saladin tithe' on their citizens to finance the venture. Richard and Philip II met in France at Vézelay and set out together on 4 July 1190 as far as Lyon where they parted after agreeing to meet in Sicily; Richard arrived in Marseille and found that his fleet had not arrived; he quickly tired of waiting for them and hiring ships, left for Sicily on 7 August, visiting several places in Italy en route and arrived in Messina on 23 September. Meanwhile, the English fleet eventually arrived in Marseille on 22 August, and finding that Richard had gone, sailed directly to Messina, arriving before him on 14 September. Philip had hired a <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/Republic-of-Genoa' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Genoese</a> fleet to transport his army, which consisted of 650 knights, 1,300 horses, and 1,300 squires to the Holy Land by way of Sicily.

Philip and Richard set out

While crossing the Saleph River near Silifke Castle in Cilicia on 10 June 1190, Frederick's horse slipped, throwing him against the rocks; he then drowned in the river. Frederick's death caused several thousand German soldiers to leave the force and return home through the Cilician and Syrian ports. After this, much of his army returned to Germany by sea in anticipation of the upcoming Imperial election. The Emperor's son, Frederick of Swabia, led the remaining 5,000 men to Antioch.

Frederick I Barbarossa dies

Richard arrived at Acre on 8 June 1191 and immediately began supervising the construction of siege weapons to assault the city, which was captured on 12 July. Richard, Philip, and Leopold quarrelled over the spoils of the victory. Richard cast down the German standard from the city, slighting Leopold. Frustrated with Richard (and in Philip's case, in poor health), Philip and Leopold took their armies and left the Holy Land in August.

Richard takes Acre

The Battle of Arsuf on September 7, 1191, was a pivotal engagement during the Third Crusade, showcasing the strategic prowess of Richard I of <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-England' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>England</a> and marking a crucial victory for the Crusaders. Following their capture of Acre, Richard aimed to secure Jaffa as a staging point for an eventual attempt to recapture Jerusalem. Marching south along the coast, his army was harassed by Saladin’s forces, which sought to disrupt the Crusader formation and create vulnerabilities. Despite these attacks, Richard maintained tight discipline among his troops, moving deliberately with the coast on his right to ensure a steady supply line from accompanying ships.<img src='https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/67/A_history_of_the_art_of_war%2C_the_middle_ages_from_the_fourth_to_the_fourteenth_century_%281898%29_%2814763164995%29.jpg'>Battle of Arsuf Map. © Charles OmanAs the Crusader army crossed the plain near Arsuf, Saladin committed his full force to a pitched battle. His aim was to overwhelm the Crusaders with waves of cavalry attacks, especially targeting their rear. However, Richard held his ranks together, waiting for the right moment to launch a counterattack. When the <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/Knights-Hospitaller' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Knights Hospitaller</a>, pushed to their limits, charged against Saladin’s forces without orders, Richard responded quickly by ordering a full-scale assault. The sudden charge broke Saladin’s lines, forcing his army into retreat. Richard wisely reined in his troops, preventing an overzealous pursuit that could have exposed them to a counterattack.The victory at Arsuf secured the central coast of Palestine, allowing Richard to take and rebuild Jaffa, which Saladin had previously dismantled. Though Saladin’s army was not destroyed, the defeat undermined his reputation and shifted the momentum of the campaign in favor of the Crusaders. However, despite further successes, including the occupation of key coastal fortresses, the Crusaders were ultimately unable to retake Jerusalem. The Battle of Arsuf demonstrated Richard’s tactical brilliance and inflicted a psychological blow to Saladin’s forces, but both sides grew exhausted. By 1192, negotiations led to the Treaty of Jaffa, which secured Crusader control of the coastline and granted Christian pilgrims access to Jerusalem, though the city itself remained under Muslim control.

Battle of Arsuf

Shortly after setting sail from Sicily, King Richard's armada of 180 ships and 39 galleys was struck by a violent storm. Several ships ran aground, including one holding Joan, his new fiancée Berengaria and a large amount of treasure that had been amassed for the crusade. It was soon discovered that Isaac Dukas Comnenus of Cyprus had seized the treasure. The two met and Isaac agreed to return Richard's treasure. However, once back at his fortress of Famagusta, Isaac broke his oath. In retaliation, Richard conquered the island while on his way to Tyre.

Richard I captures Cyprus

The Battle of Jaffa in August 1192 was the final military engagement of the Third Crusade, marking the end of open hostilities between Richard the Lionheart and <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/Ayyubid-Dynasty' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Saladin</a>. Following earlier setbacks in their attempt to retake Jerusalem, Richard had begun withdrawing Crusader forces from the region. Sensing an opportunity for revenge, Saladin besieged Jaffa, storming the walls and nearly capturing the city, with only the citadel holding out. When news of the siege reached Richard, he quickly gathered a small force of little more than 2,000 men, including Genoese and Pisan sailors, and sailed south to relieve the city. Upon arrival, Richard personally led an assault from the sea, driving Saladin’s forces from Jaffa in a chaotic rout. The Muslim defenders, fearing a larger Crusader army might be approaching, collapsed under Richard’s sudden offensive, allowing Christian prisoners to rejoin the fight and helping secure victory. Saladin regrouped and launched a counterattack on August 4, intending to retake Jaffa before further Crusader reinforcements could arrive. Saladin intended a stealthy surprise attack at dawn, but his forces were discovered; he proceeded with his attack, but his men were lightly armoured and lost 700 men killed due to the missiles of the large numbers of Crusader crossbowmen behind a hedge of spears. The Crusaders inflicted heavy losses, and after several failed cavalry charges, Saladin’s forces were forced to retreat. Richard personally rallied defenders inside the town, ensuring Saladin’s final assault was repelled.Exhausted and with both sides unable to sustain further conflict, Saladin and Richard negotiated a three-year truce, known as the Treaty of Jaffa. The treaty secured Christian control of the coast from Tyre to Jaffa and guaranteed safe passage for Christian pilgrims to visit Jerusalem, though the city itself remained under Muslim rule. This battle greatly strengthened the position of the coastal <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/Crusader-States-Outremer' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Crusader states</a> and ensured they retained a foothold in the region, with Acre becoming the new capital of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Third Crusade ended shortly after, with Richard departing for Europe to address matters at home.

Battle of Jaffa

Neither side was entirely satisfied with the results of the war. Though Richard's victories had deprived the Muslims of important coastal territories and re-established a viable Frankish state in Palestine, many Christians in the Latin West felt disappointed that he had elected not to pursue the recapture of Jerusalem. Likewise, many in the Islamic world felt disturbed that Saladin had failed to drive the Christians out of Syria and Palestine. Trade flourished, however, throughout the Middle East and in port cities along the Mediterranean coastline.Richard was arrested and imprisoned in December 1192 by Leopold V, Duke of <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-Austria' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Austria</a>, who suspected Richard of murdering Leopold's cousin Conrad of Montferrat. In 1193, Saladin died of yellow fever. His heirs would quarrel over the succession and ultimately fragment his conquests.

Epilogue

Saladin was forced to finalize a treaty with Richard providing that Jerusalem would remain under Muslim control, while allowing unarmed Christian pilgrims and traders to visit the city. Ascalon was a contentious issue as it threatened communication between Saladin's dominions in <a href='https://history-maps.com/story/History-of-Egypt' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Egypt</a> and Syria; it was eventually agreed that Ascalon, with its defences demolished, be returned to Saladin's control. Richard departed the Holy Land on 9 October 1192.

Treaty of Jaffa

Audita Tremendi a fost un taur papal emis de Papa Gregory VIII la 29 octombrie 1187, apelând la a treia cruciadă. Acesta a fost emis la doar câteva zile după ce Gregory a reușit Urban III în calitate de Papa, ca răspuns la înfrângerea Regatului Ierusalimului la bătălia de la Hattin din 4 iulie 1187. Gregory a călătorit la Pisa pentru a pune capăt ostilităților Pisan cu <a href='https://history-maps.com/ro/story/Republic-of-Genoa' rel='noopener noreferrer' target='_blank'>Genoa</a> , astfel încât atât porturi, cât și flote navale să se alăture pentru a fi creată. <img src='https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6e/06/a3/6e06a3822beb6d2cbff6b4e58454e2d5.jpg'> A treia hartă a cruciadelor. © Anonim

Papa Gregory VIII solicită a treia cruciadă