The Fall of Edessa Flashcards
(15 cards)
who did Joscelin II of Edessa make an alliance with in 1144?
Kara Aslan
who was Kara Aslan?
Artuqid ruler of Diyarbakir
why did Joscelin II of Edessa and Kara Aslan ally in 1144?
against the growing power and influence of Zengi
give an example of how Zengi was a growing threat
- 1127: Zengi gained control of Mosul
- 1128: Zengi gained control of Aleppo
why did Joscelin II leave Edessa in 1144, leaving it open to attack from Zengi?
Joscelin II marched out with almost his entire army to support Kara Aslan against Aleppan forces
who did Joscelin II march out with almost his entire army to support Kara Aslan against?
Aleppan forces
how did Zengi lure Joscelin II away from Edessa?
Joscelin II marched out with almost his entire army to support Kara Aslan against Aleppan forces; Zengi, already seeking to take advantage of Fulk’s death in 1143, hurried north to besiege Edessa
how did the city of Edessa respond to Zengi’s arrival?
the city was warned of his arrival and was prepared for a siege, but there was little they could do while Joscelin and the army were away
where did Joscelin II take his army to, after hearing Edessa was besieged?
to his fortress of Turbessel
why did Joscelin II take the army to his fortress of Turbessel instead of Edessa?
he knew he could not dislodge Zengi without help
what help was sent to the siege of Edessa?
Queen Melisende of Jerusalem sent an army led by Manasses of Hierges
what help was not sent to the siege of Edessa?
Raymond of Antioch ignored the call for help
why did Raymond of Antioch ignore the call for help from Edessa?
his army was already at war with Byzantine Empire in Cilicia and he was on poor terms with Joscelin
how did Zengi’s forces gain access to edessa?
by undermining a part of the wall
