The Third Crusade involves two of the most well known figures of any crusade: Richard I, the Lionheart, King of England, and Salah ad-Din Yusuf ibn Ayyub, Sultan of Egypt and Syria. These two men each command an army, and the fate of the Near East hangs in the balance. After the Siege of Acre, the army of the Third Crusade takes the road to Jerusalem. Along the way they will face Saladin, and have an encounter with the Assassins. Their quest to take the city involves epic battles, murder, surprising camaraderie, and scandalous marriage proposals. This is the story which founded legends.

The siege of Acre, from 1189-1191 was one of the most brutal battles of the Third Crusade. The armies of the King of Jerusalem surrounded the city of Acre, but were themselves under attack from the armies of Saladin. Into this mess, the armies of the Third Crusade, led by King Richard the Lionheart of England and Philip Augustus of France, joined the fight. The brutal siege lasted for two years, inflicting damage, disease, and death on both sides. The catapults are in full swing, hurling Greek fire at the crusaders, while sappers tunnel under ground. The Crusader states are divided over who should be king, and the fight ends with one of the most infamous massacres of the Third Crusade.

Richard the Lionheart is one of the most famous English kings and he made his reputation on the Third Crusade. In this episode we take a closer look at the man behind the legend. His mother was the famous Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his father was the easily angered Henry II. Richard's early career as a feudal enforcer made him an expert in siege warfare. The fall of Jerusalem triggers the call for the Third Crusade, but scandal, infighting, and a massive fight with France keep Richard tied up for two years before he can fulfill his Crusader oath. Richard will finally be crowned King of England and take the road to Jerusalem, joining the King of France, and the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick Barbarossa.

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