The Templars (43 page)

1171
Saladin puts an end to Fatimid rule and founds the Ayyubid dynasty in Egypt and Syria.

1173
The Templars murder the Assassin envoy.

1176
The Assassins threaten Saladin.

1181
Chretien des Troyes begins his romance,
Perceval, The Story of the Grail
.

1185
Temple Church in London is consecrated by Patriarch Heraclius of Jerusalem.

1187
The battles of the Springs of Cresson (1 May) and of Hattin (4 July). Jerusalem falls to Saladin (2 October).

1189–92
The Third Crusade.

1191
The Templars establish new headquarters at Acre.

1191–92
The Templars occupy and briefly own Cyprus.

1202–04
The Fourth Crusade. It is diverted by the Venetians to the Byzantine capital, Constantinople, which it captures (1204).

1208
Albigensian Crusade launched against the Cathars.

1218
Templars build a new fortress at Athlit.

1218–21
The Fifth Crusade.

1228–29
Crusade of Frederick II; he regains Jerusalem by treaty.