Comparing King Richard I And The Christian Army During The Crusades

The word crusade means “take up the cross.” Christians were encouraged to take a stand for God during the Crusades, a series of holy wars beginning in 1096 and lasting for almost 200 years. These battles were the first time in history that an army was assembled for strictly religious reason (Jewish History). King Richard I of England led the Christian army during the Third Crusade, while Sultan Salah-al-Din led the Muslims. The two had similar personality traits and style of rule, and their respect for each other earned them a reputation of being two of the bravest and overall best leaders throughout history. The Crusades began when Muslim armies began to attack the Byzantine Empire, taking control of the Holy land of Jerusalem. The Byzantine

Those who admired Richard said of him: “A very powerful man, of great courage and spirit. He fought great battles and showed a burning passion for war. The king was indeed a man of wisdom, experience, courage, and energy… excitable, brave, and clever.” (The Third Crusade). Even those who did not approve of his tactics agreed of his bravery: “Richard was not a good king. He cared only for his soldiers. But he was very brave.” (The Third Crusade). It is clear that Richard was a fierce warrior, and was very good to his men. Although he displayed chivalry, his temper often times got the best of him. When the Crusaders took the city of Acre, Leopold, Duke of Austria, set up his banner on the walls. Richard didn’t think it ought to be there, so he became furious and threw it down into the ditch, asking the duke how he dare take the honors of a king (King Richard the Lionheart). His controlling behavior is also what caused King Philip and his soldiers to leave. When Richard realized that his army was far too small and weak to defeat Saladin’s, he was very upset. He knew it was his own fault for not displaying the attitude that he should have, and so he came to the top of a hill where Jerusalem could be seen, and would not look at the city. Instead, he turned away and cried out, “They who are not worthy to win it are not worthy to behold it.” (King Richard the