Defence Of Outremer (1119-1149) Flashcards
1119 – Founding of the Templars after the Field of Blood
Very Important (Military Orders)
Formed by Hugh of Payns and 8 knights to protect pilgrims on roads like Jaffa–Jerusalem. Their foundation responded to the military crisis after the Franks’ defeat by Il-Ghazi.
1120 – Count Fulk of Anjou temporarily joins Templars
Important (Military Orders)
Fulk’s support popularised the order among Western nobles. His annual donation set a precedent for future aristocratic patronage that expanded the Templars’ financial power.
1127–1129 – Hugh of Payns tours Europe; Council of Troyes
Very Important (Military Orders)
Hugh secures donations and recruits; the 1129 Council formally approves the Templar Rule, solidifying their religious and military legitimacy and enabling long-term expansion.
1136 – Military Orders gain key castles (Baghras, Bethgibelin)
Very Important (Military Orders)
Templars receive Baghras to guard the Amanus Pass near Antioch. Hospitallers take Bethgibelin from King Fulk to defend against Egypt. Both assume strategic frontier roles.
1142–1144 – Hospitallers granted Krak des Chevaliers
Very Important (Military Orders)
Krak becomes the strongest fortress in Tripoli. Hospitallers effectively rule a semi-autonomous frontier zone, tasked with defending against Muslim incursions from the east.
1147–1149 – Templar role in the Second Crusade
Important (Military Orders)
Templar Master Everard des Barres saves Louis VII’s army at Mount Cadmus (1148). Templars also fight at the Siege of Damascus and help secure Antioch’s frontiers post-Inab.
1122 – Il-Ghazi dies; Muslim fragmentation deepens
Very Important (Weak Muslim Opposition)
His sons divide territory. Aleppo loses direction. Muslim jihad potential stalls — ideal conditions for the Franks and the rising military orders to entrench control.
1124 – Death of Balak; Timurtash ignores jihad
Important (Weak Muslim Opposition)
Timurtash prioritises territorial feuds in Mardin over fighting Franks. Balak’s jihad momentum collapses. Muslim disunity helps Outremer survive without large-scale military campaigns.
1135 – Zumurrud kills her son to resist Zengi
Important (Weak Muslim Opposition)
She murders Shams al-Mulk Isma’il to stop Zengi from gaining Damascus. Highlights Muslim fear of Zengi and rejection of jihad-based unification.
1140 – Damascus allies with Jerusalem
Very Important (Weak Muslim Opposition)
Despite Zengi’s jihad rhetoric, Damascus prefers alliance with Franks. Shows politics trumps religion; Muslim world not unified behind holy war.
1125 – Baldwin II leads united Crusader victory at Azaz
Important (Frankish Leadership)
Assembles forces from Jerusalem, Tripoli, and Antioch to beat a larger Muslim force. Demonstrates the potential of Frankish unity and leadership in military defence.
1131–1143 – Fulk strengthens defence with castles
Important (Frankish Leadership)
Builds Beth Gibelin (1135), Ibelin (1141), Blanchegarde (1142), and starts construction on Kerak. Castles form a defensive chain in the south against Fatimid Egypt.
1124 – Venetians help capture Tyre
Important (External Support)
Venetian fleet plays crucial naval role. In return, Venice gets trade privileges — a sign that economic support is conditional but effective in military campaigns.
1147–1148 – Second Crusade arrives in Outremer
Mixed Importance (External Support)
Brings temporary manpower, but strategic failures (like the Siege of Damascus) reduce long-term benefit. Templars were more reliable defenders than Western crusaders.
1149 – Templars support Baldwin III after Inab
Important (Military Orders)
After Raymond of Antioch is killed, Templar forces under Andrew of Montbard join Baldwin III to defend northern borders, preventing further Muslim advances.
