Relations Between the Islamic and Christianity in the Medieval Era

Relations Between the Islamic and Christianity in the Medieval Era

Period: Nov 1, 1095 to Jan 1, 1289

The series of holy wars each religion mutually experienced through the Crusades and jihad have undoubtedly had the greatest impact upon how their relationship has developed throughout the years. Western history during this period paralleled Muslim history in that both were successions of competing dynasties. Western Europe was struggling toward greater integration and stability, and the Muslim world was evolving toward greater disunity and instability. http://www.timetoast.com

first crusade

Aug 1, 1096

There were multiple Crusade campaigns throughout the almost 200 year history of The Crusades. The most successful was that of the First Crusade (1096-1099). Led by Godfrey of Bouillon, Raymond of Saint-Gilles, Bohemond of Taranto and Hugh of Vermandois; four large Christian armies left the capital of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople, in August, 1096, on the way to the Holy Land.

Second Crusade

Jan 1, 1099

After taking Nicaea, the Anatolian capital of the Seljuk’s, the Crusaders captured Antioch in Syria and finally Jerusalem in 1099. The success of these conquests and others allowed the Crusaders to establish permanent settlements throughout the Holy Land

Third Crusade

Jan 1, 1187

Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, or to the Western world, Saladin was the famous Kurdish leader who founded the Muslim Ayyubid Dynasty. Saladin defeated the Crusaders at the strategic battle of Hattin in 1187. Saladin consolidated control over Egypt; defeating rival Muslim Fatimids During the Battle of Arsuf, King Richard’s forces defeated Saladin’s army and recaptured the strategic city of Jaffa. Christian control of the area was recovered and allowed Richard to sign a peace treaty with Saladin. T

Fourth Crusade

Jan 1, 1250

A new power in the region, the Mamluks, overthrew the Ayyubids and took control of Egypt and Syria in 1250. Mamluks, descendents of Turkish slaves, stopped the Mongol advance in the region. The Mongols were a potential ally of the Christian Kingdoms and their defeat was a serious setback for Christians. The Mamluk Sultan, Qalawan, after defeating Mongol forces in 1281, now focused his attention on the Crusader Kingdoms.

. The Mamluk Sultan Qalawan

Jan 1, 1289

The Mamluk Sultan Qalawan, after defeating Mongol forces in 1281, now focused his attention on the Crusader Kingdoms. He captured Tripoli in 1289 and with a huge army laid siege to Acre, the remaining major Crusader city in the area. Acre fell after only seven weeks and effectively ended The Crusades and the Crusader Kingdoms after almost two centuries. Total Muslim control over the entire region was reestablished.