The Fifth Crusade Departs Acre for Egypt: May 24, 1218

On May 24, 1218, the Fifth Crusade embarked from the city of Acre, located in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, towards Egypt. This marked a significant phase in the series of religious and military campaigns known as the Crusades, which were initiated by European Christians with the primary aim of reclaiming Jerusalem and other holy lands from Muslim control.

Context and Background

The Fifth Crusade (1217–1221) was called by Pope Innocent III and later led by his successor, Pope Honorius III. The Crusade was part of a broader papal strategy to exert Christian influence in the Holy Land and was characterized by its attempt to weaken Muslim power by targeting Egypt, a key Muslim stronghold and the seat of the Ayyubid dynasty.

Key Figures

• Pope Innocent III: Initially called for the Crusade in 1215 during the Fourth Lateran Council.
• Pope Honorius III: Continued to support and organize the Crusade after Innocent III’s death.
• King Andrew II of Hungary: Participated in the early stages of the Crusade.
• Leopold VI, Duke of Austria and John of Brienne, King of Jerusalem: Key leaders in the expedition to Egypt.

The Departure from Acre

Acre served as a strategic launching point for Crusader operations due to its location and its status as a major port city in the Crusader states. On May 24, 1218, the Crusader forces set sail from Acre, aiming to capture the Egyptian city of Damietta. The decision to target Egypt was based on the belief that controlling Egypt would undermine Muslim power in the region and facilitate the eventual recapture of Jerusalem.

The Siege of Damietta

Upon arrival in Egypt, the Crusaders laid siege to the port city of Damietta, located at the mouth of the Nile River. The siege lasted for nearly two years, from 1218 to 1219, and was marked by intense combat and significant hardships for both the Crusaders and the city’s defenders.

Consequences and Aftermath

• Capture of Damietta: The Crusaders eventually captured Damietta in November 1219, which was seen as a major victory.
• Failure to Advance: Despite this success, the Crusaders failed to capitalize on their gains. Internal disagreements and strategic missteps, coupled with a strong counteroffensive by the Ayyubid forces under Sultan Al-Kamil, led to the eventual failure of the Crusade.
• Treaty and Withdrawal: In 1221, the Crusaders were forced to negotiate a treaty and withdraw from Egypt, relinquishing Damietta in exchange for safe passage.

Historical Significance

The Fifth Crusade highlighted the complexities and challenges of the Crusader campaigns, including logistical difficulties, leadership disputes, and the formidable resistance posed by Muslim forces. It underscored the shifting strategies of the Crusaders, who sought to weaken Muslim powers indirectly by targeting Egypt rather than directly assaulting Jerusalem.

The events of the Fifth Crusade also set the stage for subsequent Crusades and continued the cycle of conflict in the region, influencing the geopolitical and religious landscape of the medieval Mediterranean world.