The day the Crusaders lost Jerusalem – level 2

02-10-1187

The crusades were big fights between Christians and Muslims that lasted for 200 years. The crusades were started by Christians who wanted to control Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is a city where the holy places of three world religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam, are located.

It is clear that people who control Jerusalem control the way to all the holy places. In 1095, Muslims are in control of Jerusalem.

Pope Urban II is not happy about the situation and is prepared to do everything possible to take Jerusalem from Muslim control. In France, he starts the First Crusade.

The Crusaders travel through Turkey and Syria and they take over Muslim cities. They also kill all the people who live there. After three years of travel, the Crusaders reach the gates of Jerusalem, and they take over the holy city, as well. Here they kill all the people again.

When Sultan Saladin comes to power, he wants Jerusalem back in 1187.

The Crusaders have an army of 20,000 men. However, the army is not very strong. They lose an important battle by the rocks called the Horns of Hattin.

Then Saladin goes to Jerusalem. It is October 2, 1187, and Saladin enters Jerusalem. The Crusaders lose the holy city.

Difficult words: crusade (a war started by a Christian army because they want to take the area of Palestine from the Muslims), last (take time), holy (connected with God), sultan (a Muslim king), enter (to go inside).

What other strategies could the Crusaders have used to protect Jerusalem and remain in control of the city?

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