History The Crusades Questions Medium
The major events leading up to the Seventh Crusade can be summarized as follows:
1. The fall of Jerusalem: In 1187, the Muslim leader Saladin successfully recaptured Jerusalem from the Christian Crusaders, leading to a significant loss for the Christians and a rallying cry for a new Crusade.
2. The Third Crusade: Following the fall of Jerusalem, European leaders, including Richard the Lionheart of England, Philip II of France, and Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, launched the Third Crusade to reclaim the Holy Land. Although they achieved some victories, they ultimately failed to retake Jerusalem.
3. The death of Frederick Barbarossa: In 1190, Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa drowned while crossing a river during the Third Crusade. His death weakened the Crusader forces and hindered their progress.
4. The rise of Pope Innocent III: Pope Innocent III became the Pope in 1198 and was a strong advocate for the Crusades. He called for a new Crusade to recapture Jerusalem and restore Christian control over the Holy Land.
5. The preaching of Fulk of Neuilly: Fulk of Neuilly, a French preacher, played a significant role in promoting the Seventh Crusade. He traveled throughout Europe, delivering sermons and encouraging people to take up arms and join the Crusade.
6. The capture of Damietta: In 1218, the Crusaders, led by King Andrew II of Hungary and John of Brienne, launched the Seventh Crusade with the aim of capturing Egypt. They successfully seized the city of Damietta, a strategic stronghold on the Nile Delta.
7. The defeat at the Battle of Al Mansurah: Despite their initial success, the Crusaders faced numerous challenges, including disease, supply shortages, and the overwhelming forces of the Ayyubid Sultanate. In 1250, they suffered a major defeat at the Battle of Al Mansurah, resulting in the capture of King Louis IX of France.
These events set the stage for the Seventh Crusade and shaped the motivations and circumstances surrounding it.