Between the Crescent and the Cross Episode 4 - The Lion and the Eagle

<p>“I warn you against shedding blood, indulging in it and making a habit of it, for blood never sleeps.” -Saladin</p> <p> </p> <p>“We, however, place the love of God and His honor above our own and above the acquisition of many regions.” -Richard the Lionheart on Phillip II of France’s early departure from the Holy Land.</p> <p> </p> <p>The year is 1163, for nearly a century the crusader lords of Jerusalem, Antioch, Tripoli and formerly Edessa have been a dominant regional power, but the cracks are showing. Soon, succession crisis and civil war will tear the Kingdom of Jerusalem apart at the seams. Meanwhile, a new power would rise in the Muslim world to unite Egypt and Syria. This new empire, ruled by the legendary Saladin, would push the Christians back to a single lonely city on the coast of the Levant and prompt the calling of a new crusade. From across the sea the new King of England, Richard the Lionheart would come to avenge Christendom against Saladin. In time, the two men developed a legendary rivalry and mutual respect for one another. This is an age of legends, of the clash of titanic personalities and armies. This is the Third Crusade.</p> <p> </p> <p>Photo: Areal view of the modern city of Acre in Israel. It was the site of several battles from the Third Crusade onward and it served as a key base of operations for the Christians of the Levant through the late 12th and 13thcenturies. Source: Israeltourism July 25, 2012</p> <p> </p> <p>Intro by Alex Appelbaum</p>