The Third Crusade (1189–1192), also known as the Kings' Crusade, is an attempt by European leaders to reconquer the Holy Land from Saladin.
After the failure of the Second Crusade, the Zengid dynasty had controlled a unified Syria and engaged in a conflict with the Fatimid rulers of Egypt, which had ultimately resulted in the unification of Egyptian and Syrian forces under the command of Saladin, who had employed them to reduce the Christian states and to recapture Jerusalem in 1187.
Spurred by religious zeal, Henry II of England and Philip II of France end their conflict with each other to lead a new Crusade (although Henry's death in 1189 puts the English contingent under the command of Richard I instead).
The elderly Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa responds to the call to arms, and leads a massive army across Anatolia, but dies from drowning before reaching the Holy Land.
Many of his discouraged troops leave to go home.After some military successes, the Christian powers argue over the spoils of war; frustrated with Richard, Frederick's successor, Leopold V of Austria and Philip leave the Holy Land in August 1191.
On September 2, 1192, Richard and Saladin finalize a treaty by which Jerusalem will remain under Muslim control, but which also allows unarmed Christian pilgrims to visit the city.
Richard departs the Holy Land on October 9.
The failure of the Third Crusade will lead to the call for a Fourth Crusade six years later.
