The Seventh Crusade

The pope, who still was furious with Frederick, announced a new crusade in 1248. The twist was that this time it was against Frederick himself, the guy who made it possible (and impossible) for Christians to go to Jerusalem. Christians were once again taxed to pay for a march to Jerusalem. They were getting a bit tired of it all, to say the least.

The new and Seventh Crusade was led by Louis IX of France. He was a good and Christian man who decided to attack when he heard that Turkish Muslims had overrun Jerusalem and slaughtered countless innocents. Even the Knights Templar and the Hospitallers couldn’t fight against these wild men. The Holy Land was completely Muslim now and no Christian was safe there.

Despite King Louis’ good character and plans, his armies were no match for the Muslim armies. It didn’t help that much of Louis’ army was dying of dysentery. Some historians say it was so bad that men simply cut holes in the back of their britches. That had to make “turning tail” and running a bit awkward, but King Louis was forced to retreat and regroup. The Seventh Crusade was over. The year was 1254.