The Epic Siege of the Third Crusade

The prolonged siege of Acre must come off to the modern reader as an excessively long, drawn out affair. Only military incompetence and excessive caution on both sides could have allowed it to last nearly two years. On the surface this observation seems justified, but John D. Holsler points out there were many factors that caused this unique situation to come about. We learn of course that Acre would become the pivot point in the Third Crusade. Indeed it was almost the sole reason for the entire enterprise. What makes this third effort to retain and capture the Holy Land so seminal are the famous personalities associated with it. On the Christian side you have Richard I (The Lionheart) of England, along with King Philip Augustus of France and Frederick Barbarossa of the Holy Roman Empire. Along with them are numerous other important nobles of the period. On the Moslem side Saladin is a name almost as important as all the above. No wonder the Acre Siege has captured the imagination of story teller and historian alike for so many centuries. These personalities clashing in the Holy Land are the stuff of legends.

Yet the author points out the final confrontation between them was, if anything, anti-climatic. By the time Richard and Philip arrived most of the heavy fighting had been conducted by the Crusading troops and nobles already on the scene for the first year and a half. Their efforts had fought the Moslems almost to a standstill and laid the foundations for the final effort to take the fortress.

Saladin is often lauded as the noble hero of brilliant leadership in this period. While this was true in the events that lead to the initial defeat of the Crusaders several years before at Hattin in 1187, which saw the initial capture of Acre and many other fortified cities in the Holy Land, afterwards that leadership often appears lacking when closely examined. Why was this so? Saladin was leading a coalition of varied Moslem states and powers. These entities were often only held together by his guiding influence. Like their Crusader enemies they were often inclined toward petty squabbles among themselves and could often be found siding against each other. Saladin was constantly constrained by these matters. Also the very complicated tactical situation which he faced at Acre made his decisions seem cautious. While it is true that Saladin could amass a large host to relieve the fortress that army could not break through the Crusading siege lines to do so. In the numerous battles and skirmishes that comprised this nearly two year event Saladin could not seem to strike the decisive blow required to lift the siege. Often, when he had the advantage, his innate caution and internal politics constrained him. Several opportunities to crush the besieging crusaders who were vulnerable between two hostile forces were allowed to slip by. He was constantly held back by circumstances beyond his control.

The crusaders were often saved at the last moment by decisive reinforcements. At the same time their siege effort was far from complete. This allowed numerous re-supply efforts from Egypt to sail into Acre's harbor to re-provision the garrison and city just in time. In fact, this was the primary reason why the siege lasted as long as it did. Both sides often received help just in time to retain their positions. For the Crusaders this was the constant ebb and flow of reinforcements arriving from Europe. Indeed, Acre would see the involvement of more nobles and prominent leaders from the West than nearly any other event of that Century. Almost anyone of importance saw action of some sort in the two year siege and their comings and goings kept it active, but not decisive.

Siege craft was on display during this whole time and both sides used cutting edge weapons and techniques to try to undermine the other side. The author provides some fascinating evaluations of just how sophisticated these efforts were for the time. Acre would see the cutting edge of siege war technology and had far reaching impact on the warfare of the period.

When we finally see Philip and Richard arrive on the scene towards late 1191 the long siege has almost worn out the Acre defenders. They have become disillusioned at Saladin's efforts to relieve them. The arrival of the Third Crusade with its famous leaders has a demoralizing effect on the Moslems. A series of efforts to seize several key points in the defense finally sees the garrison surrender on terms that neither side can totally agree. Since Saladin is not closely consulted in the negotiations the terms agreed upon place him in an awkward situation. He must provide a large payment to secure the freedom of the gallant garrison and he must release many captured Christian prisoners. On both issues Saladin is not able to completely comply, He lacks the money to pay the indemnity and he is unwilling to free all his prisoners at once. This in turn enrages the excitable Richard of England and there takes places one of the famous massacres of the age. Richard has the entire remaining 1,500 or so defenders of Acre put to the sword as he believes Saladin is reneging on the terms. This episode highlights the cruelty and fanaticism of the Crusades. This is essentially a war between Moslem and Christian. A Holy War, and despite moments of knightly chivalry there is a prevailing atmosphere of hatred and mistrust. This is a reflection of the age and must be seen in that light to be properly understood. The author spends some time discussing this controversial event which has reverberated down to present times.

The final fall of Acre does not provide the decisive victory which the Third Crusade seeks. With its end, many leaders and participants on the Christian side leave for home. Richard of England is left with fewer than 10,000 to try to march on to the Holy City of Jerusalem. He will demonstrate his tactical ability a few months later with his fine victory over Saladin at Arsuf, which is the kind of field battle he excels in. Still, this is not enough and, as he pushes on to the Holy City, Richard realizes that he lacks adequate numbers to embark on yet another potential siege. Saladin is still in the field, and despite defeat receives constant reinforcement. The Third Crusade will peter out at this point and negotiation will see the status quo prevail for the moment. Richard is in a hurry to get back home where political unrest and threats from Philip on the Angevine lands in France requires his return.

The author does a fine job telling this complicated story. He brings the events and personalities vividly to life. Any who think another history of the Crusades is merely a dry affair with constant reference to sketchy primary sources will find a pleasant surprise here. Yes, the author does refer often to the sources but does so in a way that supports his story. He allows the reader to make up his own mind which version of events seems the more likely.

The Siege of Acre is a fascinating history, with an importance that still resonates today, and readers will find all they need to delve into the events of the legendary Third Crusade.

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