Richard vs. SaladinRichard vs. Saladin

The Third Crusade

Saladin & Richard: A Comparison

Many historians have made comparisons between Saladin and Richard

Both were admired by their equals as shining examples of Chivalric Knights

Saladin is often admired for his diplomatic abilities

While Richard is usually considered the better military commander

Saladin

Christian Knights often admired Saladin, he was seen as a Chivalric Opponent rather than a Muslim

For example, when Richard was ill with fever Saladin sent him gifts of medicine and ice

Richard could also be Chivalrous, when he wanted

However his fiery temper and lack of patience means he is often remembered for his military abilities

Saladin the Diplomat

Saladin excelled as a diplomat He was able to bring together the different

factions of the Muslims to fight the crusaders He was able to create divisions among the

crusaders by: Releasing King Guy and Negotiating with Conrad and Richard at the same

time

Saladin the General

Saladin also proved himself as a General He crushed the Christian army at Hattin He captured many cities including Jerusalem However, he showed some weaknesses as a

strategist He allowed Conrad to keep Tyre He failed to defeat Richard at Arsuf and Jaffa He could not keep his army in the field for the

whole year

Richard the Diplomat

Richard was perhaps less able as a diplomat His temper alienated potential allies, i.e.

Leopold of Austria He chose Guy, even when it was made clear

to him that no one lese supported Guy However, he was able to successfully

negotiate with Al-Adill

Richard the General

Richard was an excellent commander He cared about the welfare of his men He was successful at Cyprus, Arsuf and

Jaffa He realised the military weakness of the

crusader states However, he was at times careless,

throwing himself into danger i.e. Jaffa

Reasons why the 3rd Crusade failed

Moslems united Divisions in the crusaders: Guy vs. Conrad Philip vs. Richard Leopold vs. Richard Lack of crusading ideal Lack of help from Byzantium Crusaders willing to have a negotiated peace