Crusader states
Quick Summary
The Crusader states were feudal entities established in the Middle East after the First Crusade. Following the conquest of Palestine, the Crusaders faced the challenge of governing the new territories. Initially, there was debate on whether to establish a church state or a secular government. Godfrey was elected as Defender of the Holy Sepulchre, but upon his death, his brother Baldwin became the first king of Jerusalem in 1100, establishing a feudal kingdom.12
The Crusaders secured Christian territories along the coast, taking cities like Acre, Beirut, and Sidon. They also formed states in the north, including the county of Edessa and the principality of Antioch. A fourth state was established near Tripoli. These states were situated in a narrow coastal strip, bordered by mountains and the Jordan Valley, with Muslim cities to the east. The defense of these frontiers involved building castles.12
The military orders, such as the Knights Hospitaller and the Templars, played a significant role in defending these states, acquiring strategic castles and maintaining garrisons. The Crusader states introduced a Latin ecclesiastical organization, with Latin patriarchs replacing Greek ones in Antioch and Jerusalem. Despite the initial conquest, the Franks often showed tolerance towards the diverse local populations, including Muslims and various Christian sects. The loss of Edessa in 1144 to Zangi marked a turning point, leading to the Second Crusade.312
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CrusadesThe Crusader statesA successful surprise attack on the Egyptian relief army ensured the Crusadersā occupation of Palestine. Having fulfilled their vows of pilgrimage, most of the Crusaders departed for home, leaving the problem of governing the conquered territories to the few who remained. Initially, thereā¦
Read MoreA successful surprise attack on the Egyptian relief army ensured the Crusadersā occupation of Palestine. Having fulfilled their vows of pilgrimage, most of the Crusaders departed for home, leaving the problem of governing the conquered territories to the few who remained. Initially, thereā¦
Read More- CrusadesThe Crusader states to 1187
During the 25 years following the Second Crusade, the kingdom of Jerusalem was governed by two of its ablest rulers, Baldwin III (reigned 1143ā62) and Amalric I (1163ā74). In 1153 King Baldwin captured Ascalon, extending the kingdomās coastline southward, though thisā¦
Read MoreDuring the 25 years following the Second Crusade, the kingdom of Jerusalem was governed by two of its ablest rulers, Baldwin III (reigned 1143ā62) and Amalric I (1163ā74). In 1153 King Baldwin captured Ascalon, extending the kingdomās coastline southward, though thisā¦
Read More - CrusadesThe final loss of the Crusader states
By the end of the 13th century, Crusading had become more expensive. The time had passed when a Crusade army was made up of knights who served under a lord and paid their own way. Economic pressures caused many nobles to seek royalā¦
Read MoreBy the end of the 13th century, Crusading had become more expensive. The time had passed when a Crusade army was made up of knights who served under a lord and paid their own way. Economic pressures caused many nobles to seek royalā¦
Read More