The chess set concentrates particularly on the Third great Crusade led by King Richard I of England, who in 1189 joined King Philip II of France in an effort to recapture the holy city of Jerusalem. King Richard, with 8000 troops, seized Cyprus and some cities on the Palestinian coast, but ultimately failed to dislodge the Muslim leader Saladin from Jerusalem.
It was not only religious fervour that caused these bitter conflicts, many of the Christian armies were raised by leading European monarchs who were searching for land, riches and power. Likewise, the Muslims were seeking to extend their sphere of influence and continually attacked Christian strongholds in the Mediterranean.
Both sides relied heavily on mercenary soldiers. European knights from England, France, Spain and Germany were all employed against the Muslims and Richard I was also supported in the Third Crusade by specialist Italian crossbow men.
The Muslim army contained Saracens, Seljuk, Mameluks, Arabs, Berbers, Turks, Kurds and Egyptians. The army was well equipped and had a vast number of camels, which enabled them to cover long distances very quickly.
80 mm king, crushed stone,chessboard (39cm square)
Buy Crusades Hand Painted Chess Set & Chessboard for £ 44.95
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