The Muslim Counter-Crusade and Crusader states, 1149–1187

Death of Prince Raymond of Antioch at the Battle of Inab

Jun 29, 1149

Nur ad-Din's troops had besieged a fort at Inab and made a surprise attack on Raymond's troops. He was found among the dead and his head was sent as a trophy. This allowed him to slowly take more crusader territory. This weakened the threat of Antioch to Aleppo.

Struggle between Melisende and Baldwin III for control of Jerusalem

1151

Baldwin was only 19 years old. His mother refused to allow him to rule alone and so their relationship grew worse. Baldwin tried to force his mother to abdicate to establish himself as an independent ruler. This reached the point of armed conflict, until he besieged her and forced her to surrender her lands.

Capture of Ascalon

Aug 22, 1153

Baldwin III sent his army upon Ascalon and secured it after an 8 month siege. Ascalon had been a gateway for Muslim communications with the Fatamids in Cairo, giving them a large economic foothold. This victory caused the Crusaders to also consider expanding their lands into Egypt.

Amalric's First Expedition to Egypt

1163

He began to besiege the city of Bilbais, but was forced to retreat when the Egyptians opened up the dykes and flooded the land around the town.

Death of King Baldwin III, Succession of Amalric

Feb 10, 1163

Baldwin died childless, and this led to another succession dispute. Baldwin's brother Amalric became King after facing opposition. Amalric was a strong fighter who was prepared to face his enemies.

Amalric attacks Egypt with Pisan fleet

1167

Here, Amalric captures Alexandria, but then is forced to surrender it.

Marriage of Amalric to Maria, relative of Manuel

1167

This strengthens the new bond forming between The Byzantine Empire and Jerusalem, aiding Amalric when asking for Byzantine help later on.

Saladin takes control of Egypt

1169

Shirkuh had control of Egypt after ordering the assassination of the vizier. He rules over Egypt on behalf of Nur ad-Din. Saladin takes over his position after Shirkuh dies. Saladin defeated the final invasion of Egypt.

Archbishop Frederick of Tyre travels to King Louis VII and King Henry II

1171

Amalric swears homage to Manuel

1171

It was clear that no new crusade was going to occur after the Muslims had taken control of Egypt. Political differences between Louis VII of France and Henry II meant that the two leaders couldn't support a new crusade. Amalric submitted to Manuel in hope that he would provide aid in defending the crusader states.

Saladin takes control of Damascus

1174

Death of Nur ad-Din

May 15, 1174

Death of Amalric, Succeeded by Baldwin IV

Jul 11, 1174

Manuel defeated by Seljuk Turks at the Battle of Myriocephalum

1176

Saladin defeated at Battle of Mont Gisard

1177

Death of Manuel

1180

Saladin takes control of Aleppo

1183

Removal of Guy of Lusignan from the Regency

1183

Death of King Baldwin IV and Regency of Raymond III of Tripoli

1185

Death of King Baldwin V

1186

Coronation of Guy and Sibylla

1186

Fall of Jerusalem

1187

Battle of Hattin

Jul 4, 1187