Ninth Crusade (1271 – 1272)

The Ninth Crusade (1271–1272) is generally regarded as the last major Crusade to the Holy Land, though its impact was…

By Staff , in Wars and Conflicts , at September 4, 2024 Tags: 1271, conflicts, crusades, wars

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The Ninth Crusade (1271–1272) is generally regarded as the last major Crusade to the Holy Land, though its impact was limited, and it did not achieve significant territorial gains. Led primarily by the future King Edward I of England, the Ninth Crusade is often seen as part of the broader Eighth Crusade and is notable for its timing at the end of the Crusading period and its ultimate failure to reverse Muslim advances in the region.

Background and Context
The Decline of Crusader States:
Fall of Crusader Strongholds: By the mid-13th century, the Crusader states established during earlier Crusades had been severely weakened. The Muslim powers in the Middle East, particularly under the leadership of the Mamluk Sultanate in Egypt, had steadily gained ground against the Crusaders. The once-strong Christian presence in the Levant was increasingly confined to a few coastal cities such as Acre.

Eighth Crusade: The Ninth Crusade followed closely on the heels of the Eighth Crusade, which was launched by King Louis IX of France in 1270. However, the Eighth Crusade ended in failure, with Louis dying during a campaign in Tunis. The crusading spirit was waning in Europe, as political concerns and internal conflicts often took precedence over campaigns in the Holy Land.

Edward I’s Motivation: Edward of England, the future Edward I, had been involved in the Eighth Crusade alongside Louis IX but had been unable to accomplish much due to Louis’ death and the early termination of that campaign. However, Edward was committed to continuing the fight to defend the remaining Crusader states from Muslim advances.

The Ninth Crusade
Edward I’s Crusade (1271–1272):
Edward I’s Leadership: Edward, then the Prince of England and the son of King Henry III, led a relatively small but determined force to the Holy Land in 1271. His campaign has come to be known as the Ninth Crusade. Unlike earlier Crusades, which were large-scale mobilizations of European armies, Edward’s force was modest in size, consisting of a few hundred knights and soldiers.

Arrival in Acre: Edward arrived in Acre, one of the last remaining Crusader strongholds in the Levant, in May 1271. At that time, Acre was the de facto capital of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem, though most of the territory that had been under Crusader control had already been lost to the Mamluks.

Alliance with Mongols: During his campaign, Edward sought to ally with the Mongol Empire, which had been making advances into the Middle East. The Mongols had already attacked Muslim forces in the region, and Edward hoped that a joint Christian-Mongol alliance might reverse the tide against the Mamluks. However, despite some initial Mongol raids against the Mamluks, this alliance did not result in significant military victories.

Skirmishes with the Mamluks: Edward launched several raids and minor skirmishes against Muslim forces in the region, but he lacked the resources and manpower to mount a large-scale campaign. Most of these engagements were limited to hit-and-run tactics, with little lasting impact on the overall balance of power in the Holy Land.

Assassination Attempt:
Attempt on Edward’s Life: In June 1272, Edward narrowly survived an assassination attempt. A member of the Islamic secret society known as the Hashashin (Assassins) attacked Edward, wounding him with a poisoned dagger. According to accounts, Edward managed to kill his assailant but was severely injured. His life was saved by prompt medical treatment, though he remained weakened for some time.

Recovery and Departure: After recovering from his injuries, Edward recognized that the situation in the Holy Land was untenable for the Crusaders. The Muslim forces under Sultan Baibars were too powerful, and European support for further Crusading efforts was waning. In 1272, Edward departed for England, bringing an effective end to the Ninth Crusade.

Aftermath and Impact
Treaty with the Mamluks:
Treaty of Caesarea (1272): Before leaving, Edward brokered a truce with Sultan Baibars, which provided a temporary halt to hostilities between the Crusaders and the Mamluks. The treaty, known as the Treaty of Caesarea, was signed in 1272 and was meant to last for ten years. While it provided some respite for the remaining Crusader strongholds, it was not a lasting solution.

End of the Crusades
Decline of Crusader States: The Ninth Crusade is often regarded as the last major Crusade aimed at the Holy Land. After Edward’s departure, the Crusader states continued to decline. Acre, the last major Crusader stronghold, fell to the Mamluks in 1291, marking the definitive end of the Christian presence in the region.

End of the Crusading Era: While there were later calls for Crusades, such as the so-called Crusades of Nicopolis (1396) and Varna (1444), these were focused on other regions and threats, such as the rise of the Ottoman Empire. The Ninth Crusade is seen as the last major military effort by Western Europe to reclaim or defend the Holy Land from Muslim control.

Legacy
Edward I’s Later Reign: Edward I returned to England in 1274 and succeeded his father as king. His experience in the Ninth Crusade influenced his reign, especially in terms of his military leadership and his later campaigns in Wales and Scotland. Edward earned a reputation as a capable and determined ruler, though his efforts in the Holy Land were largely unsuccessful.

Decline of the Crusading Ideal: By the time of the Ninth Crusade, the fervor for Crusading had significantly diminished in Europe. The movement had become more fragmented, and internal European conflicts often overshadowed efforts to support the Crusader states. Additionally, the failure of previous Crusades and the growing strength of Muslim powers like the Mamluks led to a decline in enthusiasm for launching new expeditions.