The Crusaders’ newest objective during the Third Crusade was to capture Egypt, and despite many attempts, they never succeeded. The Crusaders were losing ground, which culminated in the loss of Cairo to the armies of Nur al-Din in 1169. The assault was lead by Shirkuh, with his nephew Saladin as his right hand man. Saladin himself would gain a more prominent position after the death of his uncle, and lead his troops into battle at the city of Hattin. The Crusaders were crushed, and driven out of the city of Jerusalem, losing large amounts of territory in the process. These events inspired the Third Crusade, which was lead by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, King Phillip (France), and King Richard the Lionhearted. That September, King Richard drove the Turks out of the city of Jaffa in the battle of Arsuf, which would be the only real armed conflict during the Third Crusade. After his success at the battle of Arsuf, Richard the Lionheart’s forces ventured close to Jerusalem; however, Richard thought that the only way to maintain full control of the region was to capture Egypt first. On the contrary, his men were only concerned with attacking the holy land, so Richard had to call off the Crusade early.
Above: An impression of King Richard
Above: An impression of Saladin