Defenses Of Outremer Flashcards
(30 cards)
[Advantage] Which two castles did Baldwin I build in Transjordan, and why was this advantageous?
Montreal (1115) and Scandalion (1117). These forts secured the eastern frontier of Outremer, controlling routes into Transjordan and deterring Muslim incursions.
[Advantage] Which coastal cities were captured (1104–1124), and why did this help Outremer?
Acre (1104), Tripoli (1109), Beirut & Sidon (1110), Tyre (1124). Holding these ports allowed seaborne reinforcements and supplies, and isolated Fatimid Egypt by cutting its Levantine access.
[Advantage] What role did the Hospitallers (1113) and Templars (1119) play, and why was that beneficial?
They provided permanent, professionally led garrisons at key forts (e.g., Temple Mount, Krak des Chevaliers), ensuring disciplined defense even when secular armies were absent.
[Advantage] How did Genoa, Pisa, and Venice aid Outremer, and why was their support valuable?
They blockaded Muslim ports in return for trading privileges. Their naval power enhanced Outremer’s maritime defense and guaranteed a steady flow of goods and troops.
[Disadvantage] What manpower shortage did Outremer suffer after 1099, and why was this a problem?
With most Crusaders returning home, Jerusalem was left with only ~300 knights and 2,000 footmen, leaving its garrisons understaffed and vulnerable.
[Disadvantage] Why was reliance on Italian fleets disadvantageous?
Because Outremer had no native navy, it depended on foreign city-states whose priorities could shift, risking blockaded supply lines if alliances faltered.
[Disadvantage] Give two internal rivalries, and explain why they hindered consolidation.
Tancred’s refusal to return Edessa to Baldwin II, and the Raymond vs. Tancred dispute in Tripoli. These feuds delayed political unity and diverted resources from frontier defense.
[Advantage] Which castles were reinforced (e.g., Toron, Montferrand, Baghras), and why was that important?
Reinforcing Toron, Montferrand, Baghras strengthened control over inland routes and mountain passes, making surprise raids far more costly for enemies.
[Advantage] How did the Military Orders expand their defensive reach, and why did this matter?
They garrisoned remote border castles, extending professional military presence into vulnerable areas and freeing secular lords for field campaigns.
[Advantage] What was the Council of Nablus (1120), and why was it beneficial?
A legal/military reform that standardized land grants, garrison obligations, and Church–army cooperation—improving coordination and resource allocation.
[Advantage] How did papal recognition help the Templars and Hospitallers, and why was it an advantage?
Official endorsement brought international donations and recruits, boosting manpower and funds for castle construction and garrisoning.
[Disadvantage] What was the outcome of the Crusade of 1101, and why did it weaken Outremer?
Most reinforcements were killed by Turks, dissipating expected manpower boosts and leaving the Crusader states isolated and understaffed.
[Disadvantage] Which defeat in 1119 exposed Antioch, and why was this harmful?
The Battle of the Field of Blood. Antioch’s army was nearly destroyed, leaving its territory undefended against Turkish raids.
[Disadvantage] Why did separate leadership across Edessa, Antioch, Tripoli & Jerusalem pose a problem?
Without unified command, joint military campaigns were rare, allowing enemies to defeat each state in detail rather than facing a combined army.
[Advantage] Which castles (Krak des Chevaliers, Belvoir, Margat) received concentric upgrades, and why was this significant?
Concentric walls, stronger curtains, and larger cisterns made these fortresses nearly impregnable, forcing attackers into prolonged, costly sieges.
[Advantage] What did the Second Crusade (1147–49) provide to Outremer, and why was that helpful despite its failure?
It brought temporary troops and building materials, enabling urgent repairs and upgrades to existing fortifications.
[Advantage] How did Venice and Pisa continue to support Outremer, and why was this ongoing aid crucial?
Their fleets maintained control of the sea lanes, ensuring coastal castles and cities remained supplied and reinforced.
[Disadvantage] What was the impact of Edessa’s fall (1144), and why was it damaging?
As the first Crusader state lost, it shattered the northern defense network and left Antioch and Tripoli isolated from overland aid.
[Disadvantage] How did Saladin’s rise (1157–1174) threaten Outremer, and why was this dangerous?
By uniting Egypt (1171) and Syria, Saladin’s forces could coordinate large-scale raids and sieges, overwhelming scattered Frankish defenses.
[Disadvantage] Which internal feud (e.g., Bohemond III vs. Raymond III) weakened the Franks, and why?
Rivalries between Antioch and Tripoli diverted troops to local disputes instead of frontier defense, undermining collective security.
[Disadvantage] What happened at the Battle of Hattin (July 1187), and why was it catastrophic?
Saladin annihilated the Frankish field army and captured top nobles—removing the mobile force that relieved sieges and defended castles.
[Disadvantage] Which cities fell quickly after Hattin, and why did they collapse?
Jerusalem, Acre, Nablus, Tiberias, etc. Without field armies or sufficient garrisons, most fortifications surrendered when besieged.
[Disadvantage] Which few strongholds held out, and why were they able to resist?
Tyre (Conrad of Montferrat), Krak des Chevaliers, Belvoir, Tortosa. Their robust defenses, skilled garrisons, and coastal resupply lines allowed prolonged resistance.
[Advantage] How was Acre recaptured (1189–91), and why was its retaking advantageous?
Through coordinated siege towers and allied fleets (England, France, Genoa, Pisa). Regaining Acre reopened the main supply port for all future Crusader operations.
