What were the consequences of the Frankish defeat at the Field of Blood (1119)? Flashcards
Key Themes:
Growing Muslim Unity
Frankish Pre-occupation with Antioch
Increased external support for Outremer
What was the first major example of jihad imagery being used to inspire Muslims in Battle?
The Battle of the Field of Blood
What Aleppan preacher was sent to the Muslim army? What did he do?
Ibn -al-Khashshab
Raised the soldiers morale before battle
What did the Field of Blood mark the beginning of?
Involvement of religious classes in the Struggle against the Franks
What inspired the development of the use of jihad against the Franks?
The decisive victory inspired the development of the use of the jihad as a catalyst for further action against the Franks.
This reflects the significance of military successes in motivating religious and political actions.
Who were Tughtegin and Balak?
Contemporary Muslim leaders noted for their role in the defence of Islam.
What was Balak’s greatest triumph? When?
The capture of Joscelin of Edessa
Autumn 1122.
How was Balak described at his death in 1124?
As the ‘sword of those who fight the holy war, leader of the armies of the Muslims, vanquisher of the infidels and the polytheists’.
The term ‘polytheists’ was commonly used to insult Christians due to their belief in the Trinity.
What period did Zengi lead? What did he do? What does this show about jihad?
1127 - 1146
He invoked Jihad to support his actions in building up his own power.
Use of jihad shows the intertwining of religious and political motivations in leadership.
CA: Why was it claimed that Il-Ghazi was not a good role model or Jihad?
He allegedly drank heavily, especially after his victory at the Field of Blood
CA: What was Il-Ghazi’s relationship with his son? What did he do?
Weak
He rapidly revolted against his father
CA: When did Il-Ghazi die? What did his sons do? What implications did this have?
1122
Divided his domains between them
Made northern Muslim powers more divided and less dangerous
CA: How did Balak die? What did his death show?
He was killed while besieging the fortress of a rebel vassal
The limitations of Muslim unity
CA: Who succeeded Balak? Why was he a weak leader? What was he focused on instead?
Timurtash (cousin)
Showed no interest in war against the Franks
Taking over territories of late brother (Suleiman) around Mardin
CA: What happened after Balak’s death?
Baldwin II released from captivity and besieged Aleppo
CA: What did the rise of Zengi cause within he Muslim world? When? What does this question?
Opposition
1127
How much more unity and purpose the Field of Blood provided
The destruction of what had a large impact upon the Franks in Northern Syria? What became a necessity?
Norman Antiochene nobility
Co-operation with the Kingdom of Jerusalem
What led to an increasing threat to Antioch? Threat from who?
The Principality’s new and increasing weakness
Byzantines and Turks
How many times did the kings of Jerusalem assist Antioch? What tie period? What happened for 13 of these?
15
1110-1137
The king acted as regent in the principality
When did Il-Ghazi threaten Antiochene territory? What did this mean for Baldwin II?
June 1120
He was obliged to help as it was unwise to allow Antioch to become too weak
What was growing throughout Baldwin II’s reign?
- Resentment among the Jerusalem nobility
- The need to protect the increasingly venerable principality of Antioch
When did Baldwin begin to spend more time in Antioch? How much of his time was spent in the Kingdom of Jerusalem?
June 1119 - December 1126
Less than 40% - increasing need for support in vulnerable Antioch
Who was Baldwin II’s chancellor? What did Baldwin do with him? When? What did this mean?
Pagan
Took his chancellor with him to Antioch
August 1122 - December 1122
Kingdom deprived of chancellor and those needing documentation from the king were obliged to travel to Antioch
What did Baldwin II take with him to Antioch? What did it cause?
True Cross and Royal Seal
More opposition to the king’s frequent absences
