Following their ultimate success in the First Crusade, many members of the Christian army were perfectly content to take their promised pardons for any sins they might have committed, and return to Europe. As a result of this, the remaining men established Crusader States to attempt to govern the sacked cities. Essentially, the Christians managed to establish four major western settlements at Jerusalem, Antioch, Edessa, and Tripoli, which were guarded by large castles. Initially, the plan worked, but in 1130 AD the muslim population in the area began to rally around a new war, which was called “Jihad.” During the year 1144 A.D., a seljuk general by the name of Zangi managed to conquer the northernmost city-state of Edessa.
News of the fall of Edessa traveled quickly, and the rulers of Christianity requested that another Crusading campaign be launched to the holy land. As a result, King Louis the VII of France, and King Conrad the III of Germany. The armies were assembled, and the Second Crusade began in 1147 A.D. At the battle of Dorylaeum, an important of victory during the First Crusade, King Conrad’s forces were dealt a crushing blow by their Turkish adversaries, but not totally defeated. Conrad and Louis then amassed their forces at Jerusalem, and proceeded to attack Damascus. This newest raid prompted the leader of Damascus to send for Nur al-Din, who was the successor of Zangi. Together, the amassed muslim forces managed to repel the invaders and ended the Second Crusade.
