Sixth Crusade (1228 – 1229)

The Sixth Crusade (1228–1229) was a significant event in the history of the Crusades, notable for being one of the…

By Staff , in Wars and Conflicts , at August 27, 2024 Tags: 1228, conflicts, crusades, wars

Find Cheap Textbooks - Save on New & Used Textbooks at AbeBooks.com

The Sixth Crusade (1228–1229) was a significant event in the history of the Crusades, notable for being one of the few crusades that achieved its objectives through diplomacy rather than warfare. It was led by the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, who managed to reclaim Jerusalem and other key areas in the Holy Land through negotiations with the Muslim ruler al-Kamil of Egypt, rather than through direct military conflict.

Background
Previous Crusades: By the early 13th century, the earlier Crusades had experienced mixed success. The First Crusade (1096-1099) had successfully established several Crusader states, including the Kingdom of Jerusalem, but subsequent Crusades had failed to secure lasting control over these territories. Jerusalem had fallen back into Muslim hands in 1187 after the Battle of Hattin, leading to the Third Crusade (1189-1192), which recaptured some coastal cities but failed to regain Jerusalem.
Fourth and Fifth Crusades: The Fourth Crusade (1202-1204) infamously sacked Constantinople, diverting from its original goal, while the Fifth Crusade (1217-1221) ended in failure after an unsuccessful attempt to conquer Egypt, which was seen as a strategic target for reclaiming Jerusalem.

Frederick II’s Crusading Vow: Frederick II, the Holy Roman Emperor, had taken a crusading vow as part of his coronation, but his participation was delayed multiple times due to political conflicts in Europe and tensions with the Papacy. Pope Honorius III and later Pope Gregory IX were increasingly frustrated with Frederick’s delays, eventually excommunicating him in 1227 when he again postponed his departure due to illness.

The Crusade
Departure: Despite his excommunication, Frederick II finally set sail for the Holy Land in 1228, determined to fulfill his vow. His excommunication complicated the crusade, as he lacked official papal support and had to rely on his diplomatic skills rather than church-backed military might.

Diplomatic Approach: Upon arriving in the Eastern Mediterranean, Frederick II recognized that the political situation in the Muslim world was divided. The Ayyubid dynasty, which controlled Egypt and Syria, was experiencing internal disputes, particularly between al-Kamil, the Sultan of Egypt, and his relatives in Syria. Frederick sought to exploit these divisions to his advantage.

Negotiations with al-Kamil: Frederick II opened negotiations with al-Kamil, the Sultan of Egypt, who was also dealing with threats from his rivals within the Muslim world. Al-Kamil, preferring a peaceful settlement to avoid further weakening his position, agreed to negotiate. After several months of diplomacy, a treaty was signed in February 1229.

Treaty and Results
Treaty of Jaffa: The treaty, sometimes referred to as the Treaty of Jaffa or the Treaty of 1229, was remarkably favorable to the Crusaders. Under its terms:
Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Nazareth were returned to Christian control, along with a corridor of land connecting Jerusalem to the coastal city of Acre, which was already under Crusader control.
The Temple Mount in Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, remained under Muslim administration, allowing Muslim pilgrims to continue visiting these holy sites.
The treaty established a ten-year truce between the Crusaders and the Ayyubid Sultanate.
Frederick’s Entry into Jerusalem: In March 1229, Frederick II entered Jerusalem, where he crowned himself King of Jerusalem in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This act was controversial since he was still under excommunication, and no clergy were present to perform the coronation.

Aftermath and Significance
Mixed Reactions: Frederick’s achievement of reclaiming Jerusalem without battle was unprecedented and brought mixed reactions. Many in the Christian world, especially the Papacy, viewed his actions with suspicion and criticism because of his excommunication and the unconventional nature of his crusade. The Pope refused to lift the excommunication immediately, and the legitimacy of his rule in Jerusalem was questioned.
Short-Lived Gains: The territorial gains from the Sixth Crusade were significant, but they were short-lived. The peace established by the treaty lasted until 1244 when Jerusalem was captured by the Khwarezmian Turks, marking the final loss of the city to the Crusaders.
Legacy of the Sixth Crusade: The Sixth Crusade is often remembered for its diplomatic success and Frederick II’s unique approach to fulfilling his crusading vow. It demonstrated that the goals of the Crusades could, under certain circumstances, be achieved through negotiation rather than through warfare. However, the gains were temporary, and the divisions between the Papacy and the Holy Roman Emperor only deepened in the aftermath.