The Crusades
By: Preston Rutherford & Jesssica James
How did they begin?
Jerusalem
Saladin
Saladin was a great Muslim leader, he was born into a prominent Kurdish family, his father worked for the Turkish governor in northern Syria. Saladin spent his youth in Ba'lbek and Damascus, where he was interested in the study of religion rather than military training. Once Saladin became old enough, he got a job with his uncle Asad ad-Din Shirkuh, who was a military commander for Nur al-Din, the son and heir of Zengi. After Zengi’s death, three military expeditions into Egypt began, all led by Shirkuh, in a bid to stop the country falling to the Latin Christian (Frankish) rulers of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Eventually Saladin became the sole master of Cairo and helped the Muslim community fight the Christians. Saladin managed to unite and lead the Muslim world and the Christians of western Europe were stunned by his success.
Later Crusades/Effects
Muslims vs. Christians
Map of the Crusades
Fighting during the Crusades
Critical Thinking
Essential Question
MLA citations
Davis, Thomas E. "Crusades." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
Giacumakis, George , Jr. "Saladin." World Book Student. World Book, 2014. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.
Davis, Thomas E. "Crusades." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2014. Web. 18 Dec. 2014.