1189 CE
A year that saw the launch of the Third Crusade by three of Europe's greatest monarchs, the death of Henry II of England, and the accession of his son Richard the Lionheart, who immediately began preparations to reconquer Jerusalem.
Geopolitics & Diplomacy
- Henry II of England died on July 6 at Chinon, broken by the rebellion of his son Richard and the betrayal of his youngest son John, reportedly uttering words of bitter despair at his family's treachery.
- Richard I, known as the Lionheart, was crowned King of England on September 3 at Westminster Abbey and immediately devoted his energies to organizing and financing the Third Crusade.
- Frederick Barbarossa of the Holy Roman Empire departed on crusade in May with the largest army, marching overland through the Balkans and into Byzantine territory.
Conflict & Security
- The Siege of Acre began in August when Guy of Lusignan, recently released from captivity by Saladin, led a small Crusader force to besiege the strategically vital port city.
- Frederick Barbarossa's massive army encountered resistance from the Seljuk Turks as it crossed Anatolia, fighting several engagements along the route to the Holy Land.
Culture & Society
- Anti-Jewish violence erupted in England during the preparations for the Third Crusade, with massacres occurring in London, York, and other cities as crusading fervor turned into mob violence.
- Richard I imposed heavy taxes across England to fund the crusade, famously declaring that he would sell London itself if he could find a buyer.
- The estimated world population was approximately 356 million.
Climate & Environment
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration was approximately 275 parts per million, as later confirmed by ice core analysis.