1-627-862 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

King Richard I (1157-1199) at the Battle of Jaffa, 1192. The Battle of Jaffa took place during the Crusades, as one of a series of campaigns between Saladin's army and the forces of King Richard I of England. It was the final battle of the Third Crusade, after which Saladin and King Richard were able to negotiate a truce. Afterwards, although the crusaders never regained possession of Jerusalem, Christian pilgrims were permitted entry into the city, and the crusaders were able to retain control of a sizable strip of land stretching from Acre to Jaffa. Although largely a footnote among the greater events that unfolded during the crusades, it was a decisive encounter, illustrating both the determined spirit of Saladin, and the reckless bravery of Richard. It was the final act before the treaty between Richard and Saladin was concluded and helped anchor the crusader presence in the south, and ensure, at least briefly, the perimeter of the Christian realm in the Holy Land. From Cassell's Illustrated History of England.