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Joukowsky Institute for Archaeology & the Ancient World
Brown University
Box 1837 / 60 George Street
Providence, RI 02912
Telephone: (401) 863-3188
Fax: (401) 863-9423
[email protected]
The Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem was founded as the result of the First Crusade. The Crusaders, after conquering many territories, united their diverse holdings under this title. Clearly the acquisition of the Holy Land during these crusades would be a crowning achievement, and Jerusalem formed the capital of this kingdom. While there was certainly European influence and ties back to the kingdoms of Europe did exist, the kingdom was not nearly as strong as those to which it held significant connections. Salah al-Din, commonly known in the west as Saladin, was responsible for recapturing Jerusalem in 1187, and into the twelfth and thirteenth centuries the kingdom experienced a slow decline. After Jerusalem was captured, the capital was moved to Acre, and when this city finally fell in 1291 one could say the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem had finally ended. The Mamluks defeated the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut and consequently were able to take Acre soon after. The Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem thus represents both the Crusades and the ability of the Muslims to rid the Middle East of their presence.
Posted at Apr 12/2009 09:18AM:
ian: Looks good.