How did the crusader states try to survive? (Ep.3: Besieging Aleppo and Damascus)

Author: Teach Medieval
Published: Tue 20 Feb 2024
Episode Link: https://shows.acast.com/teach-medieval/episodes/the-survival-of-the-crusader-states-ep3-how-did-the-crusader

The four Crusader States established in the wake of the First Crusade survived remarkably well until their near total collapse following Saladin’s victory at the battle of Hattin in 1187. In this episode, Dr Steve Tibble discusses how the crusaders tried to increase their states' chances of survival by capturing the inland urban centres of Edessa, Aleppo and Damascus ... with varying degrees of success.

This episode is the third in a mini-series of six:

Ep.1: Did the crusaders actually have a clear set of strategies?

Ep.2: What was the strategy on the coast and why did it succeed?

Ep.3: What was the strategy towards Aleppo and Damascus and why did it fail?

Ep.4: What was the strategy in governing the states and why did it succeed?

Ep.5: What was the strategy towards Egypt and why did it fail?

Ep.6: What was the strategy in regard to Saladin and why did it fail?

This mini-series is based on Dr Steve Tibble's:

The Crusader Strategy

Other recommended works by Dr Steve Tibble:

The Crusader Armies

Templars: The Knights who made Britain