The fall of Edessa

Question 1

Why did the geography of Edessa affect its vulnerability?

Answer 1

Difficult to defend as it had no religious significance to encourage pilgrimage and it was isolated from the rest of the states

Question 2

How did divisions affect its vulnerability?

Answer 2

• power struggle in Jerusalem between Baldwin III and Melisende
• Raymond I and Joscelin were quarrelling - zengi was aware of this
• death of John 1142 meant Byzantine empire couldn’t offer aid

Question 3

How did growing notions of Jihad affect Edessa’s vulnerability?

Answer 3

By 1140s, Zengi utilised message of Holy war to unite various islamic territories - poise serious threat to christians

Question 4

Events of 1144

Answer 4

Joscelin made treaty with Artuqid lord in the north - had retreated to Turbessek to spend christmas leaving land relatively undefended

–> By 1144 Joscelin left with only the land in Turbessel to govern