Kingdom of Jerusalem

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The Kingdom of Jerusalem was a crusader state established in the Levant in 1099 after the First Crusade. It lasted nearly two hundred years, from 1099 until 1291 when the city of Acre fell to the Mamluk Sultanate. The kingdom was characterized by a feudal structure and was a focal point for the Crusades.

History

Foundation

The Kingdom of Jerusalem was founded in 1099 after the First Crusade, which was launched by Pope Urban II in 1095. The crusaders captured Jerusalem from the Fatimid Caliphate and established a Christian kingdom in the Holy Land. Godfrey of Bouillon was elected as the first ruler, taking the title "Defender of the Holy Sepulchre" rather than king.

Expansion and Consolidation

The kingdom expanded rapidly under the leadership of Baldwin I and his successors. Key cities such as Acre, Jaffa, and Ascalon were captured, and the kingdom established a network of fortifications and castles to defend its territories.

Decline

The kingdom faced numerous challenges, including internal disputes, lack of resources, and constant threats from Muslim forces. The Battle of Hattin in 1187 was a significant turning point, where Saladin defeated the crusader army and recaptured Jerusalem. The kingdom's capital was moved to Acre, which remained the center of the kingdom until its fall in 1291.

Government and Society

The Kingdom of Jerusalem was a feudal monarchy with a complex hierarchy of lords and vassals. The king was the highest authority, supported by the High Court of Jerusalem, which included the most powerful nobles and clergy. The kingdom was divided into several lordships, each governed by a noble who owed allegiance to the king.

Economy

The economy of the Kingdom of Jerusalem was based on agriculture, trade, and taxation. The kingdom benefited from its strategic location, which facilitated trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Italian city-states of Venice, Genoa, and Pisa played a crucial role in the kingdom's economy by providing naval support and engaging in commerce.

Religion

The Kingdom of Jerusalem was predominantly Roman Catholic, but it was also home to Eastern Orthodox Christians, Muslims, and Jews. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem was the highest religious authority, and the kingdom was dotted with numerous churches, monasteries, and religious institutions.

Legacy

The Kingdom of Jerusalem left a lasting impact on the history of the Middle East and the relationship between the Christian and Muslim worlds. It was a symbol of the crusading spirit and the Christian attempt to reclaim the Holy Land. The kingdom's fall marked the end of the crusader presence in the region, but its legacy continued to influence subsequent crusades and European attitudes towards the Middle East.

Related Pages

• First Crusade
• Second Crusade
• Third Crusade
• Fourth Crusade
• Acre
• Saladin
• Baldwin I of Jerusalem
• Godfrey of Bouillon
• Feudalism

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