Barons' Crusade

Also known as Crusade of 1239

A baron-led expedition that failed militarily at Gaza but won major territorial concessions through diplomacy during Ayyubid civil conflict.

The Barons' Crusade was called by Pope Gregory IX and brought several high-ranking western nobles to the Holy Land, including Theobald of Champagne and Richard of Cornwall. Its military opening was poor: a reckless advance toward Gaza in 1239 ended in defeat and captivity for many crusaders.

Diplomatically, however, the expedition was unexpectedly successful. By exploiting rivalries among the Ayyubid rulers of Egypt, Damascus, and Kerak, the crusaders secured the return of Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, and much of the old inland corridor. In territorial terms it was one of the most successful crusades after 1099, though the gains were lost after the Khwarezmian sack of Jerusalem in 1244.

Read more on Wikipedia: English article · עברית