Third Crusade

The Third Crusade (1189–1192) was an attempt by European leaders to reconquer the Holy Land from Saladin. It is sometimes referred to as the Kings' Crusade.

Barbarossa's crusade

The elderly Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa responded to the call immediately. He took up the Cross at Mainz Cathedral on March 27, 1188 and was the first to set out for the Holy Land in May of 1189. Frederick had raised an army so massive that it could not be transported across the Mediterranean Sea, but instead had to cross Asia Minor on foot.

Related Topics:
Holy Roman Emperor - Frederick I Barbarossa - Mainz Cathedral - March 27 - 1188 - May - Mediterranean Sea - Asia Minor

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The Byzantine Emperor Isaac II Angelus made a secret alliance with Saladin to impede Frederick's progress in exchange for his empire's safety. On May 18, 1190, the German army defeated the Turks at Konya. Frederick, however, was thrown from his horse in the crossing of the Saleph River and drowned. His son, Frederick VI led the army to Antioch where his body was interred in the Church of St. Peter. In Antioch, most of what remained of the German army died of plague.

Related Topics:
Byzantine Emperor - Isaac II Angelus - May 18 - 1190 - German - Turks - Konya - Saleph River - Frederick VI - Antioch - Plague

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