Question #21963
1 Answer
The failure of the Latin Kingdoms in the Holy Land is largely due to 1) An inherent lack of political cohesion, 2) awkward logistics, 3) A (temporary) end to Islamic divisions
Explanation:
The First Crusade had a single purpose and that was the capture of Jerusalem and the creation of a Western-Latin political entity in the Holy Land. Following the capture of Jerusalem in 1099, four different kingdoms were established in the Holy Land. These kingdoms could never unify, nor could the political leadership of the subsequent Crusades.
In contrast to this, the arrival of armed militant pilgrims eventually triggered a degree of Muslim unity -- particularly under Nur Al Din and Saladin in the late 12th Century. While the Latin Kingdoms seldom cooperated or had a single focus after 1099, leadership in the Muslim world never let go of their intention of eliminating the Christian kingdoms.
While European arms and fortification techniques were generally superior, the voyage from Western Mediterranean ports took longer and was more expensive than a march from Damascus. Increasingly, the Europe lost interest in paying for crusades or dispatching resources to the Middle East,
