Amalric and Baldwin IV Flashcards
When did Baldwin III die and who succeeded him?
Baldwin III died in 1163 and he was succeeded by his younger brother Amalric.
Why became Jerusalem’s focus under Amalric?
Under Amalric, Jerusalem’s priorities shifted from being focused on the capture of Aleppo to expanding into Egpyt
Why was the conquest of Egypt such an attractive prospect?
The conquest of Egypt was an attractive prospect as Egypt had important natural resources like alum mines, indigo deposits, and access to trade routes.
How was Sharwar installed as vizier of Egypt?
Sharwar appealed to Nur al-Din who was persuaded by
his Kurdish general Shirkuh to allow an expedition. Shirkuh defeated Dirgham installing Shawar as vizier.
Why did Sharwar appeal to help from Amalric to deal with Shirkuh?
Shirkuh demanded control of Bilbeis in return for his services. Shawar appealed to Amalric for help against Shirkuh’s demands.
How did Amalric respond to Sharwar’s request for help in 1164?
Amalric responded to Sharwar’s request for help against Shirkuh in 1164 by bringing an army to besiege Shirkuh in Bilbeis. But the destruction of Bohemond III of Antioch’s army at the battle of Harenc forced Amalric’s retreat. Shirkuh also left Egpyt around the same time.
When did Shirkhuh mount a second expedition on Egypt?
Shirkuh mounted a second expedition, on Egypt, in 1167.
How did Amalric respond to Shirkuh’s second expedition in Egypt?
Amalric responded by persuading the Frankish nobles of the need to maintain the balance of power by attacking Shirkuh. This included the nobles giving a special tax of 10% on movable property to fund it. Shawar welcomed the sudden appearance of Frankish army.
Where did Amalric besiege Shirkuh in 1167?
In 1167, Shirkuh besieged Amalric in Alexandria.
What were the terms of the mutual evacuation of Egypt agreed between Amalric and Shirkuh?
A mutual evacuation of Egypt was negotiated in September 1167 which left Amalric in a strong position in Egypt.
• Egypt’s independence was recognised and guaranteed
• Egypt was to pay an annual tribute of 100,000 dinars to the Franks.
• A Frankish garrison remained in Cairo
When did Amalric marry Maria Comnena, Manuel Comnenus’ great-niece?
In 1168 Amalric married Maria Comnena, Manuel Comnenus’ great-niece, which opened the possibility of an expedition of conquest in Egypt with Byzantine support
Why did Amalric attack Egypt without the Byzantines in October 1168?
Amalric attacked Egypt without waiting for the Byzantine fleet under the influence of the Haute Cour who did not want to share the riches of Egypt with their Byzantine allies. The intervention of Nur al-Din in November 1168 forced Amalric to retreat.
When and how did Shirkuh become vizier?
Shirkuh became vizier in January 1169 when Shawar was executed for his involement with the Franks.
Where was Saladin able to recapture in 1170?
Saladin was able to recapture Gaza in 1170.
When did Amalric travel to Constantinople to seek an alliance with the Byzantines and what issues did this create for the crusaders?
Amalric travelled to Constantinople in person in 1171 to seek an alliance with the Byzantines. This alliance with the Byzantines over the West could explain why they were less forthcoming to provide help than they had been previously and the issues this created following the battle of Myriokephalon and after Manuel’s death.
