Saladin's Capture of Jerusalem in 1187

New islamic power came on to the scene that would begin real undoing of crusader states. Saladin, much like charles martel presented himself as a defender of his religion. He was determined to roll back this western christian incursion into moslem territory. His capture of jerusalem in 11 87, of course, sends psychological shock waves through europe. The pope presents this disaster as a punishment for the sinfulness of the european christian people. And naturally, he calls for a crusade, a penitential war,. A as a way for europeans to atone show penance for their sinful that led to the fall of jerusalem.