The clash between King Richard I 'The Lionheat' of England and Saladin has become legendary, and the strategy and tactics of a resolute, heavily armed Anglo-Saxon army versus their more lightly armed opponents have continued to fascinate military enthusiasts down the ages. The religious and geopolitical significance of the third crusade are immense and are still being played out to this day. Here was a Crusader army marching towards the greatest goal in Christendom, the Kingdom of Jerusalem, harried by a Muslim force that was equally determined to stop it. Although the battle was eventually won by the Crusaders, the prize itself remained elusive.

Illustrated by: Christa Hook