History of the Crusades

the Crusades Episode 92 King Louis's Crusade Roman numeral 2.

Hello again.

Last week we saw King Louis the 9th of France leave Europe on Crusade with a

sizable and predominantly French crusading army. The army spent the winter in Cyprus before setting out for

dameyetta in Egypt. Prior to setting out King Louis and the Muslim leader, Arcely Ayub, exchanged a threatening series of letters.

Their correspondence was documented by Armin Maloof in his book The Crusades through Arab Eyes.

King Louis went first, penning a declaration of war which he sent to Ayub. This is an extract from his letter, and I quote,

I will assault your territory and even were you to swear allegiance to the cross, my mind would not be changed.

The armies that obey me cover the mountains and plains.

They are as numerous as the pebbles of the earth and they march upon you grasping the swords of fate."

This is part of Iel's reply, and I quote,

foolish as you are, have you forgotten the lands you occupied,

which we have reconquered even quite recently?

Have you forgotten the damage which we have inflicted upon you?"

I have finished his letter with an ominous prediction, and I quote,

your defeat is inevitable.

Soon you will bitterly regret the adventure on which you have embarked, end quote.

Despite this threat, King Louis's Crusade set out from Cyprus in May 1249. With the

stragglers who had joined the expedition over the winter,

the crusading force numbered around 15,000 men.

King Louis brother, alfants of Poi, 15,000 men.

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