BACKGROUND GUIDE

THE THIRD CRUSADE-

SIEGE OF ACRE
(JULY 1191)

26 - 28TH OF MARCH 2021

MEDITERRANEAN MODEL
UNITED NATIONS

secretariat@medmun.org
https://www.medmun.org
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
p.4 Acknowledgements
p.5 Future Crisis Staff Members
p.8 Function & Composition of the
Committee
p.11 Scenario Background
p.11 Historical Context
p.13 Current Situation
p.14 Relevance of the Topic
p.15 Maps & Graphs
p.17 Committee Objectives
p.18 Committee Matrix
p.20 Committee Actors - Saladin's Forces
p.24 Committee Actors - Richard's Forces
p.28 Works Cited
p.29 Your Chairs
Chairs: Nour ALJOWAILY and Hayaan CHOUDARY

Topics :
War for Control of Jerusalem.
The Strategy and Supply of a Campaign.
The Balance of Economic, Religious, and Pragmatic.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thank you to the MEDMUN Crisis Staff 2019 for preparing a draft version of the
Function and Composition of Committees section of this background guide.
 FUTURE CRISIS STAFF
MEMBERS
Samuel Hodman is a second-year student at Sciences Po Campus de Menton and an
American national. Samuel is excited to expand on his Model Congress and MUN
experience by stepping into the role of Crisis Director for the 2021 Conference. When it
comes to MEDMUN, he is passionate about how politics, warfare, and developmental
economics are evolving - both globally, and more specifically in the Middle East
(obviously.) He hopes to make this year’s crisis experience immersive in all these fields,
and encourages delegates to put their machiavellian minds to work! Samuel believes
that, even if limited, Crisis is an excellent way to bring the complexities and dynamic
nature of MENA issues - in the world of the past, present, or future - to a more
understandable, more human scale. With MEDMUN 2021, he hopes to make the best of
this opportunity, and immerse this year’s delegates in a truly unique experience! He
wants to challenge his delegates and staff researchers to deeply understand each crisis
on the human scale and tactfully imagine the consequences of every action. Above all, he
hopes to make each crisis personal and informative, so that MEDMUN 2021 can be
enriching for everyone. Samuel looks forward to diving into the world of the future with
you and he is especially enthused to see where the delegates take the New al-Andalus
2035 Crisis.

Laura Fairlamb is an American second year student at Sciences Po Paris, Campus de

Menton in the Dual BA with Columbia University. She is currently pursuing a major in
Politics and Government at Sciences Po and plans to major in Human Rights when she
moves to New York next year. In Menton, she is particularly passionate about tying her
studies to action by volunteering with refugees and advocating for their rights. Outside
of class, she enjoys sharing meals with friends, playing soccer, and soaking up the sun at
Sablettes. Laura's MUN experience comes from her role as a crisis staffer for MEDMUN
2020 and her work prior to Sciences Po as the Secretary General of her High School
MUN club where she participated in local conferences as well as those in Venice, Italy
and Querétaro, Mexico. Laura is forever grateful to MUN for introducing her to the
world of International Relations. She looks forward to sharing this love through her role
as a Crisis Staffer.
Gabrielle (Gigi) Hodes is a first-year student in Menton and is currently enrolled in the
Dual BA program with Columbia University. She was born in Manhattan, New York, and
lived there until she was 10, when she and her family moved on a sailboat and spent
almost two years sailing around the Caribbean, finally settling in Panama. She lived there
for seven years before coming to France for her university studies. MUN has been a
passion of hers for the last four years, and she has participated in ten conferences in
places like Buenos Aires, The Hague, Cartagena, and now, the Mediterranean. Apart
from MUN, she enjoys dancing, reading, and hanging out with friends, but she
particularly loves debate because she loves to understand how different people think
and form their opinions. She is very excited to be part of the Crisis team for this year’s
MEDMUN conference. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or
concerns. See you in the spring!

Angelina Gutierrez is a second year, Swiss-Costa Rican student studying economics at

Sciences Po Paris, campus of Menton. Born in Venezuela and later moving to Costa Rica
where she attended the French Lycée in San Jose, she considers these two countries to
be central to her identity, alongside Switzerland, of course. When not in class, Angelina
can be found coheading the campus environmental association, swimming in the sea and
enjoying the great outdoors. She’s passionate about the MENA region, especially as it
relates to economics, politics or the environment. Fluent in French, Spanish and English,
but always eager to try something new, Angelina works on her Arabic and Italian to
better immerse herself in the Mediterrenean culture. She’s very excited to participate
for a second year as a crisis staffer in this amazing MEDMUN 2021 experience!

Sofie Højstrup Overgaard is a second year student at Sciences Po Paris, Campus de

Menton. Born and raised in Denmark, she early on gained an interest in global
politics, which she developed further when she helped found and run her high
school's MUN club. She participated in many conferences around Denmark and
Germany, and also helped start up her school's very own conference. Her interest in
global politics is also what brought her to Menton, where she hopes to embark on
new and exciting experiences as part of the crisis team. In her spare time, she enjoys
spending her time at Sablettes listening to her friends play guitar, or on a quick run
through the beautiful city.
Vanessa Wedick is a Canadian second year student in the Dual BA between Sciences
Po, Campus de Menton and the University of British Columbia. Born in Vietnam and
having lived in the United Arab Emirates, Spain, India and Canada, she has had the
privilege of experiencing numerous diverse cultures which has helped develop her
keen interest in global affairs and the MENA region. Participating in MedMUN last
year and having done eleven previous conferences across Canada, Model UN and
crisis hold a special place in her heart. Some of her best high school memories are
from crisis committees that allowed her to think unconventionally, strategically and
enjoy fruitful debate. Vanessa hopes to recreate this experience for MedMUN
delegates this year.

Zaidie Long is in her second year at the Menton campus of SciencesPo Paris and is
part of a dual degree program with the University of California, Berkeley. While she
has participated in MUN in the past, she is excited to be part of the Crisis team for
the first time this year. From Portland, Oregon in the United States, Zaidie also lived
in Taiwan for a year, where she built friendships with students from all over the
world, and hopes that MEDMUN can be an opportunity for participants to do the
same. Zaidie is interested in international relations, environmental economics and
policy, as well conflict and behavior, and has considered pursuing a career in
diplomacy, although she is glad she has a few more years to think about it. She has
been interested in the Mediterannean and Middle East in international politics since
high school, although it was often overlooked in her classes in the US, and she wishes
she’d been able to attend an event like MEDMUN at that time. She hopes that,
through reflecting real world dynamics in embellished Crisis scenarios, delegates can
gain a better understanding of the politics of the region, of negotiation and
diplomacy in general, and build skills that will be applicable no matter the career they
decide to pursue.
 FUNCTION AND COMPOSITION
OF THE COMMITTEE

As delegates, you are the main actors in this conference. Your individual actions will
dictate the outcome of the simulation. Because of this, it is necessary to be well informed
about your roles and capabilities during the crisis. It is important to note that MUN Rules
of Procedure do not apply in crisis committees and that debate should be fluid and fast-
paced, with the chair facilitating these exchanges.

As the crisis staff, we will be providing you with information, called updates. This can be
classified into press releases in which information is released to all committees, memos,
in which we will provide information or advice to one committee, digital updates that are
sent to you through your chairs, or individual intelligence briefs for you or your
committee.

We expect you to react to our updates and create your own output, which includes:
Press releases (unilateral or multilateral): One or more delegates makes a statement
on an issue or event, and transmits it to the crisis staff for distribution to all
committees.
Individual Action Orders: A request made by a delegate for an action to be carried
out on his or her behalf. (For example: The Minister of Intelligence asks the crisis
staff to bribe the bodyguards of the president, or the Minister of Defense asks to
move 5000 troops to surround the city of Alexandria.)
Communiqués: A formal message sent from one delegate or committee to another
delegate or committee.
Committee Directive: An entire committee collectively makes a major decision. (For
example: Signing a treaty, making trade agreements, etc.)

Additionally, committee interaction is necessary. These interactions could be in the form

of:
Negotiations that can be organized between committees. Delegates can either
request to meet other delegates on their own behalf or in the name of the
committee, in which case he or she would be nominated and then chosen through a
vote.
A delegate from a committee could also be asked to come to address another entire
committee.
One of the main features of our conference is war games. Because of the volatile context
of the simulation, some delegates will face each other in a series of war games.

The delegates will have to make decisions about troop movements, tactics, and military
operations using maps of armed forces locations for reference. The games will be
conducted on a turn by-turn basis to make a decision and inform the head of war games.
Delegates will have all necessary information at their disposal to make the best decision
possible.

Capabilities

Each delegate in the simulation has specific tools at his or her disposal to dictate the
course of events, known as portfolio powers. Your portfolio powers will be provided to
you, and you can send a note to the chair asking specific questions about your powers.
For instance, the Minister of Agriculture of Micronesia has no control over Micronesia's
navy; hence, he or she cannot use it. However, the head of an intelligence agency has
control over spies, assassins, etc. and can use them appropriately.

The tools at your disposal vary based on the persona, position, influence, etc. of your
character. Each action a delegate takes will have ramifications on many levels. Thus, do
not underestimate areas such as the economy, society, and diplomacy; they are
important factors to consider. We will reward delegates who can include them in their
performance to increase the simulation’s realism.

Constraints and Limits

An essential aspect of the crisis simulation is striving to achieve your objectives while
staying on the policy. The thin line between fiction and reality should dictate your
actions in the simulation. To respect this line, we will operate on a reward/penalty basis.
In other words, your objective should be achievable with the highest degree of realism,
respecting the interests of your character and your committee. For every request you
make, we will be evaluating the authenticity and quality of your request, its alignment
with your character’s policy, and its usefulness to the simulation.
Our penalty system will operate as follows: We will send warnings to delegates
operating off policy, followed by a personal brief from a crisis staff member. If all of the
above fails, we will have no choice but to terminate your character. If you are the
Minister of Agriculture of Micronesia and continually want us to blow up the White
House with a nuclear warhead that you do not possess, expect to appear in an execution
video. Keep in mind that if your character is terminated, it may be for other reasons as
well—assassinations tend to happen in times of war in divided countries.

It is of utmost importance that any committee-wide public action or press release you
make be confirmed by your home government (which the Crisis Staff will be simulating if
it is not present in the simulation).
 SCENARIO BACKGROUND
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
The First Crusade was called in 1096 and lasted until 1099, and led to the establishment
of a Christian Kingdom in the Near East. But why did European kings, nobles and
peasants decide to embark on a military expedition on the other side of the
Mediterreanean? The territory surrounding Jerusalem, known commonly as the ‘Near
East’ of the ‘Levant’, is a Holy land for both Islam and Christianity. Birthplace and
homeland of Jesus of Nazareth, it has always been an important pilgrimage destination
for Christians from Europe, who underwent the thousands of kilometers journey to visit
sites such as Bethlehem, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the relique of the True
Cross.

In 638 Jerusalem was conquered by the expanding Muslim Caliphate, and remained
under a Muslim control which was uninterrupted for hundreds of years. In 1096, Pope
Urban II called for the First Crusade, with the aim of regaining a Christian foothold in the
Holy Land (which had been lost since the decline of the Byzantine Empire in the region).
It was a succesful effort, as the local Muslim rulers were highly splintered afterwards.

The Kingdom of Jerusalem and many other states and principalities were established in
the wake of the First Crusade. This kingdom, centered on Jerusalem and the surrounding
province, stood strong in the region for another 170 years - using the many forts of the
region to endure even with the muslim reconquest of some border territories. But
around the 1170s, the Christian lands in the East began to disintegrate. King Amalric was
the last powerful king of Jerusalem, succeeded by King Baldwin the Leper, then
succeeded in turn by his 5 year old nephew - who was then overthrown by the Frankish
‘Guy de Lusignan.’ In general, the Franks were plagued by pervasive dissent amongst
their nobles in the region, such as between Raymond of Tripoli and Guy de Lusignan over
King Baldwin’s succession, or surrounding the controversial last two Grand Masters of
the Templar, Odo of St. Amand and Gerard de Ridenfort, who were essentially failures.

In the meantime, the Muslim world was unifying once again under Salah ad-Din (Saladin).
He ascended the throne of Egypt in 1169, and once Nur al-Din (until then the foremost
Muslim ruler in the Levant) died in 1174, he proceeded to rapidly conquer the rest of
Arabia and Syria. He put an end to the Fatimid Shia Caliphate of Egypt and swore
allegiance to its historical rival and old authority, the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad. This
paid off when he was in turn nominated ‘Sultan of Syria and Egypt’ by the Caliph in 1175.
“By the start of the 1180s he was unquestionably the dominant figure across the Islamic
Levant.”
The first military engagement between Saladin and the Franks occurred in 1177 and
culminated at the Battle of Montgisard, a victory for the Franks. But Saladin became
more and more aggressive, repeatedly proving his military genius as well as providing
foundation for his self-hewn image as ‘scourge of the infidels’. In 1187, he goaded King
Guy and the Christian forces of the Levant into a trap, and utterly defeated them at the
Battle of Hattin. At the outcome of the battle, the Christian forces had been completely
humiliated. King Guy was taken prisoner to Damascus alongside many other high-
ranking nobles, those who hadn't fallen on the battlefield, and only 200 knights had
managed to flee. The garrisons of the Crusader castles and towns were depleted (they
had been used to bolster King Guy’s army). Hattin was a powerful demonstration of
Saladin’s tactical genius, proving his ability to win victories against the Crusader
kingdoms despite their powerful knights.

In the immediate aftermath of the battle, 52 towns and fortifications were taken by
Saladin. By mid-September, Saladin had taken Acre, Nablus, Jaffa, Toron, Sidon, Beirut,
and Ascalon. But most critical of all, Jerusalem had to surrender on October 2nd, and the
relique of the True Cross was captured during the battle, reportedly fixed upside down
on a lance and sent to Damascus.

By 1188, the entire Christian Kingdom of the Holy Land had been recaptured by Saladin
except for Tripoli and Tyre. The Orders are depleted, the King’s legitimacy contested and
moral at an all-time low. In 1189 King Guy is released from prison with his brother
Aimery of Lusignan and the bellicose Master of the Templar Gerard of Ridenfort. The
latter two proceed to convince the King that he shouldn’t be inactive whilst awaiting the
arrival of the European kings, who seem bound to respond to the Pope’s call for a Third
Crusade to save the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Influenced by these figures, he starts
collecting a sizable force in August of 1189 ready to besiege Acre.

However, in the meantime, Saladin positions his own troops around the Christian forces,
effectively besieging the besiegers. On October 4th, the Christians forces decide to
engage Saladin’s forces, and are utterly vanquished - ending any chance for the local
christian nobles to repel Saladin alone. On the day that French King Philip Augustus, and
a month later English King Richard the Lionheart, arrive, the Christian world in the East
is on its knees. The crisis will begin with this arrival of Richard the Lionheart in the Holy
Land on June 11th 1191.
 SCENARIO BACKGROUND
CURRENT SITUATION

In June 1191, the Christian and Muslim cabinets gather around their respective leaders,
Richard and Saladin, and begin planning their actions. The important issues are
discussed, and war tactics are made. What makes the situation more complicated is that
the two sides are not monoliths; the members are from various backgrounds and
religions, and certainly seeking for different, conflicting interests. This crisis is a multi-
layered one, where apart from the military control, aspects such as trade, reputation,
troop morale, economics, religion and many more will be of utmost importance.

We are expecting a series of crises to occur in many issues, and it is up to the delegates to
solve them in the best manner possible, while asserting dominance to the other cabinet.
The leaders of bigger countries will need to be careful to include the smaller powers
through alliances and concessions. Succession and the sharing of territories, especially
the more strategic ones will be important, as well. The troops will have to be kept happy
and paid, but too much looting could also cause problems and unrest from the locals. In
every issue, a mixture of diplomacy and war, and of gains and concessions will be
required of the delegates.

Figure 1:
"THE THIRD CRUSADE". 2016. Weapons And Warfare.
https://weaponsandwarfare.com/2016/01/19/the-third-
crusade/.
 SCENARIO BACKGROUND
RELEVANCE OF THE TOPIC

The crusades have been crucial instances in History as it brought the Muslim and
Christian worlds, the East and the West, the Orient and the Occident together. They
were few of the rare moments where these two worlds collided but also discovered each
other. Hence, culturally , the crusades further amplified an antagonism between the two
cultures and made it develop into an armed conflict.

The Third Crusade is perhaps the most memorable, even more so than the First Crusade,
because the three great kings of Europe—the kings of England, France, and Germany—
participated. It was also significant because it brought peace to a region that had been in
a ceaseless state of conflict, through the unification of the Muslim leaders againts the
common enemy. The Third Crusade is also meaningful because it was centered around
the reconquest of Jerusalem, a highly symbolic city for both Christianity and Islam, that
made those who held it hold the keys to the ancient world.

Apart from its highly symbolic connotation, the Third Crusade was also a defining
moment economically as well as socially. It outlined new trade routes and new paths for
the pilgrimage towards Jerusalem. Finally in a more modern perspective, understanding
the crusades is essential to comprehend a part of the rhetoric that Jihadists use to
galvanize their potential followers. Indeed, these terrorists aspire to fight and win like
the arabs troops during the crusades against the Western culture, as well as considering
Westerners as threatening because they are opposed to their vision of the world. Such
ideas were for example exposed by Al Qaida ‘s fatwa calling for a “ World Islamic Front
for jihad against Jews and crusaders” .
MAPS & GRAPHICS
Figure 2:
John. D. Hosler. The
Siege of Acre, 1189-
1191.
Figure 3:
The Battle Of Acre, 4th October 1189. 2016. Fine Art America.
 COMMITTEE OBJECTIVES
Committee 1, Saladin's Forces:

Primary Objectives:
The Protection of the territory of Jerusalem and keeping it under Muslim control is
the main objective of Saladin’s forces. In order to achieve this Saladin’s forces will
have to fend off the attacks of Richard’s forces. If they are unsuccessful in a full
defence of the territory the objective of Saladin’s forces will be to come up with a
sustainable deal of coexistence within the region.

Secondary Objectives:
The expansion of the influence of the Muslim caliphate in the region. Expand the
power of Saladin’s forces and establish Saladin as the uncontested ruler and sultan of
the Levant. To do this the morale of the troops should remain high, and alliances in
the region between both Muslims and Christians is essential. Aim to continue the
Jihad and grow the dominance of the Muslim Caliphate.

Committee 2, Richard’s Forces:

Primary Objectives:
To capture the Holy land of Jerusalem and re-establish the Christian Kingdom of the
Holy Land. In order to do this Richard’s forces must defeat Saladin’s forces in
Jerusalem and create a Christian foothold in the region. If they do not wholly defeat
Saladinthe objective of Richard’s forces will be to create a sustainable deal of
coexistence within the region

Secondary Objectives:
Reclaim the crusader strongholds in the region and expel the Muslims from the Holy
Lands. Form alliances to grow power in the region and keep morale of troops high in
order to successfully capture holy lands. Recuperate the True Cross relic lost to
Saladin in the battle of Hattin.
Ensure the continuation of trade with Europe through acquisition of the coastline.
 COMMITTEE MATRIX
Saladin’s Forces
Salah ad-Din (Saladin): Sultan of Egypt and Syrian, founder of the Ayyubid dynasty,
leader of the Muslim community in the Levant
Chair
1. Saphadin (al-Adil): Saladin’s brother
Governor of Egypt
2. Al-Afdal: Saladin’s son
In charge of internal issues
3. Al-Muzaffar Taqi ad-Din: Saladin’s nephew, important general in Saladin’s army
In charge of the troops & finances
4. al-Qadi al-Fadil: Saladin’s Chancellor
In charge of the trade and economic activities
5. Muzaffar ad-Din (known as Gökböri, or the ‘Blue Wolf’): important general and
emir of Erbil
In charge of the troops & supplies
6. Kilij Arslan: Sultan of Rum
Ruler of the Seljuk State
7. Rashid ad-Din Sinan: Head of the Order of the Hashashins.
In charge of intelligence
8. Isaac Komnenos: (Former) King of Cyprus
Exiled ruler of Cyprus
9. Imad al-Din al-Isfahani (described as Sarim al-Din): Saladin’s secretary
In charge of foreign negotiations
10. Baha ad-Din al Shaddad, Saladin’s biographer
11. Khaled, the Imam
In charge of religious affairs
12. Ali al Kimiayuih: Chemist
Richard's Forces
Richard Lionheart, King of England: leader of the Crusade
Chair
1. Phillip Augustus II, King of France
Commander of the French contingent of the Crusade
2. Leopold V, King of Austria
Commander of the Austrian contingent of the Crusade
3. Guy de Lusignan: Nominal king of Jerusalem
In charge of the finances & internal issues
4. Balian: Lord of Ibelin
In charge of the foreign relations
5. Conrad of Montferrat: Crusader lord , claimant to the throne of Jerusalem
In charge of the trade and economic activities
6. Robert of Sablé: Grand Master of the Templar
In charge of the troops
7. Garnier of Nablus: Grand Master of the Hospitalier
In charge of supplies
8. Bohemond III: Prince of Antioch
Ruler of Antioch, overlord of Armenia
9. Leon II: Lord of Armenia
Ruler of Armenia, vassal of Antioch
10. Geoffrey of Lusignan: Crusader lord
11. James of Avesnes: Crusader lord
12. Isaac Angelus III: Emperor of Byzantium
Ruler of the Byzantine Empire
 COMMITTEE ACTORS
SALADIN'S FORCES
Chair: Salah ad-Din (Saladin), Sultan of Egypt and Syrian , founder of the Ayyubid
dynasty: Chair, leader of the Muslim community in the Levant.

Saphadin (al-Adil), Saladin’s brother

Saphadin is one of Salah ad-Din’s brothers, chief assistant and political heir. He
accompanied Salah ad-Din to Egypt in 1169. While his brother campaigned in Syria,
Saphadin was appointed as the governor of Egypt. Saphadin was highly capable, loyal and
was thus, as a result, was given almost complete independent authority. During the
campaigns to retake Jerusalem and throughout the Third Crusade, Saphadin ruled in
Egypt as a regent for Saladin’s younger son al-Aziz (Nicolle, David, and Christa Hook).

Al-Afdal, Saladin’s son

Al-Afdal is the eldest of Saladin’s 17 sons and was brought up to be a ruler and military
leader. He is in charge of internal issues and serves as the nominal governor of Egypt,
under the guidance of Al-Muzaffar Taqi ad-Din. Increasingly Al-Afdal’s arrogance shows
through his self-indulgence, stubbornness and wish for independence. He can take
impulsive decisions and often acts selfishly. Al-Afdal has tensions with Al-Muzaffar Taqi
ad-Din who feels he cannot oppose Al-Afdal’s wishes or govern Egypt properly. (David
and Hook, p.21)

Al-Muzaffar Taqi ad-Din, Saladin’s nephew

Al-Muzaffar Taqi ad-Din is Saladin’s nephew, and an important general of his army. He
was one of the most capable generals during the Siege (Hosler p. 169). He guided Al-
Afdal to rule Egypt, but regarded him as incompetent (David and Hook. p.21), creating
tensions between the two characters. The Christian described him as a “man of action”
but also as wicked and cruel (Nicholson pg. 95). He is notorious for his hatred of
Christians (Nicholson p. 256).
al-Qadi al-Fadil, Saladin’s Chancellor

Head of Saladin’s chancellery, he carries out diplomatic missions and participates in the
organization of the State’s finances and politics. He also partakes in many literary
correspondences with the most important intellectuals of the time. Thus, he has great
intellectual capacities and is a key figure in the emergence of the Ayyubid confederation
as a new regional power. (Stefan Leder, “Chancharies and Diplomatics Exemplified by the
Correspondence of al-Qadi al-Fadil” https://www.orient-institut.org/research/previous-
projects/al-qadi-al-fadil/)

Muzaffar ad-Din, known as Gökböri, or the ‘Blue Wolf’

Muzaffar ad-Din, also known as Muzaffar al-Dīn Kūkbūrī ibn Zayn al-Dīn, is lord of
Harran and Edessa and later the Emir of Erbil, one of the most important cities in the
Levant. He serves as an important general in Saladin’s army, commanding a group of
soldiers in his army. Ad-Din is in charge of the troops and supplies in Saladin’s army and is
a skilled military leader. He is calm and rational, and is reliable in times of battle. His
diplomatic skills are also commendable, often gaining allies by making it clear that he is
better an ally than an enemy. (Hosler p. 56, 151)

Kilij Arslan, Sultan of Rum

Kilij (Qilij) Arslan is the ruler of the Seljuk state, also known as the Sultanate of Rûm (ie
Byzantine subjects ruled Sunni Muslims) . He had previously fought Saladin, but they
made peace in 1180 (Hosley, 62). Due to the German crusaders led by Frederick pillaging
his capital, Iconium (Konya), he now has the possibility of regathering an army and
helping Saladin. He is described in the Christian resources as a crafty man, thirsty for
Christian blood (Nicholson, 59).

Rashid ad-Din Sinan, Head of the Order of the Hashashins.

Rashid ad-Din Sinan is the leader of the Syrian branch of the Assassins, a Ismāʿīlī Shīʿī
Muslim sect, at the time of the Third Crusade. The headquarters of the sect are in
northern Syria. He is known in the West as the Old Man of the Mountain. Infamous for
his practice of sending the members of his sect to murder his enemies, he attempted to
kill Salah ad-Din several times ("Rashīd Ad-Dīn | Islamic Leader". Encyclopedia Britannica,
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rashid-ad-Din.)
Isaac Komnenos, (Former) King of Cyprus

(Not to be mixed with Isaac Komnenos the Byzantine Emperor) He was regarded as a
rebel by the other Christians as he was known as wicked, faithless , and more
importantly, friends with Saladin (Nicholson 179). The Kingdom of Cyprus was occupied
by Richard, on the way from England (Osprey 51). As his kingdom is taken away from the
opposite cabinet, he will try to get it back by cooperating with the Muslims.

Imad al-Din al-Isfahani (described as Sarim al-Din), Saladin’s secretary

Sarim al-Din is Saladin’s secretary and is in charge of the structuring of internal matters
within Saladin’s forces. He keeps count of the armies losses and expenses, and because
of his position as secretary is knowledgeable of the committee's characters. The trust
that Saladin has given him is evident to the other members of the forces and he is highly
trusted. Due to his exposure to a myriad of stories concerning the Third Crusade,
including ones describing the laws and customs used in war, he is a diplomatic character
who, without being a political commander, is able to influence others thoughts and
opinions. (Hosler, p. 25, 36, 56, 93)

Baha ad-Din al Shaddad, Saladin’s biographer

Baha ad-Din wrote the biography of Saladin, keeping extensive records of his life and
accounts. This makes him a cautious and observant person, keeping track of the
surroundings and also described as “faithful” in Crusades Through Arab Eyes (Amin
Maalouf). In the committee, Saladin has given him the mission to deal with the foreign
affairs and put him in charge of dealing with the communication between the two
committees.

Khaled, the Imam

Born in 1123 in Jerusalem, Khaled was blinded when he was 13 years old during an
accident. With his vision impaired, he turned to faith instead to open his inner eye. A
great orator and scholar, he quickly became one of the Levant's foremost spiritual
leaders. It is some time later that he came into contact with Saladin, who would need his
spiritual support for his planned reconquest of the Holy Land. He is the foremost
religious figure in Saladin's camp, with great influence over any Muslim delegate.
Ali al Kimiayuih, the chemist

Ali al Kimiayuih is a chemist from Damascus who’s interest in chemistry began at the
young age of seven. His chemistry is heavily focused on medicine, which aids Saladin’s
forces in their battles. Although sometimes limited due to a lack of resources to create
the medicine from, when presented with the right ingredients, Ali can perform miracles.
It is rumoured that he has been able to bring people back from the dead with his
medicinal talent.
 COMMITTEE ACTORS
RICHARD'S FORCES

Chair: Richard Lionheart, King of England: Chair, leader of the Crusade

Phillip Augustus II, King of France

Phillip Augustus II is the king of France as of 1180. Phillip II was the first of the great
Captein kings of France, and expanded the territories of France held by the English. He
joined Richard in his efforts in the crusade and made the Testament of 1190 to provide
for his kingdom in his absence. King Phillip Augustus II is very clever and has strong
diplomatic skills, seen by his manipulation of the English crown by pitting Richard I
against King Henry II through diplomacy (Jones, 2019)

Leopold V, King of Austria

Leopold V is the duke of Austria and Stiria. Known as the Virtuous, he succeeded his
father Henry II in 1177. During the Third Crusade, Leopold didn’t join the emperor’s
army, but travelled independently to the Holy Land arriving in Acre in the spring of 1191.
In this committee he will struggle to assert his status against the more powerful and
bigger european kingdoms. ("Leopoldo V Di Babenberg Duca D'austria E Di Stiria
Nell'enciclopediaTreccani".Treccani.It,https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/leopoldo-v-
di-babenberg-duca-d-austria-e-di-stiria/.)

Guy de Lusignan, Nominal king of Jerusalem: Overlord of Ibelin,

Guy de Lusignan, a nobleman from France, is the Nominal king of Jerusalem and the
Overlord of Ibelin. De Lusignan is married to Queen Sybil, the queen of Jerusalem. He is
in charge of the finances and internal issues of the committee and is driven by a deep
commitment to Richard's forces. He strongly dislikes and feels threatened by both
Saladin as well as his forces and is determined to be victorious over them at all costs. This
leads him to be both ruthless and smart (Nicholson p. 2, 33)
Balian, Lord of Ibelin: Powerful lord within the Kingdom of Jerusalem

Balian was defending Jerusalem whilst Saladin was conquering the Crusader lands and
besieged Jerusalem in 1187, and had to flee to Tyre. He prepared a defense before the
Europeans came over, but it was quite weak. He helped the Christians flee from
Jerusalem, according to their agreement with Saladin (Maalouf 196-199). Unlike the
Muslim resources, the Christian resources actually criticize him, writing that his
reputation was bad (Nicholson 304). He acts as a bridge between the committees.

Conrad of Montferrat: Crusader lord with claims to the throne of Jerusalem

Conrad of Montferrat is an Italian nobleman from the Piedmont region. He became the
King of Jerusalem as Conrad I through his marriage with Isabella I of Jerusalem in 1190.
Conrad is ambitious for power and even sparks conflict with King Richard. He is born of
very noble blood, with king Phillip Augustus II and Leopold V being his cousins. Conrad
looks to negotiate with Saladin and to consolidate his role and power in the crusades
(Runciman Steven, A History of the Crusades, Vol. 2-3, 1951)

Robert of Sablé: Grand Master of the Templar

Robert of Sabloel is the master of the Temple. He is one of the commanders of Richard’s
fleet and one of the treasures of the crusade. (Nicholson p. 166.). He is responsible for
the troops and oversees both the military operations in the Holy land as well as financial
and business dealings in Western Europe. He will be in charge of the religious affairs of
the committee.

Garnier of Nablus: Grand Master of the Hospitallers

Garnier of Nablus is the Grand Master of the Hospitallers, and he oversees and controls
the supplies of Richard’s forces. He is incredibly diplomatic, and uses meditation to
change other actor’s opinions on important matters. At the same time, Garnier of Nablus
will recognise which battles need to be pursued and will encourage these accordingly
(Nicholson p. 189, 251)
Bohemond III, Prince of Antioch: overlord of Armenia,

Bohemond controlled Antioch, but when Frederick of Swabia came, he took over. The
Christian sources write that Bohemond handed the city over to Frederick of Swabia to
make it more secure (Nicholson 67). However, Hosley argues that Frederick assuming
control of Antioch is disputed, and it is uncertain whether he took it by force (65). In the
crisis, Bohemond assumes control of his territories again, through compromise.

Leon II, Lord of Armenia: Vassal of Antioch

Leon II is a Rupenid Prince who was eventually crowned king of Armenia. Leon
accompanied the leader Roupen and led an army into Antioch. Roupen retired to a
monastery leaving Leon as the leader who died, and Leon II took his place. He
strengthened ties with the crusaders by marrying two Latin princesses and values the
alliance heavily as it fits his ambitious objectives. (Wilson, Samuel, The Latin Principality
of Antioch and Its Relationship with the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, 1188-1268, pg.
25-34, 2016)

Geoffrey of Lusignan,

Geoffrey is the brother of Guy of Lusignan, the king of Jerusalem. He is praised for his
military skills, especially for defending the camps against attacks (Hosler 35). He is
described in the Christian sources as fighting with fervor, also due to his brother’s
suffering in prison (Nicholson 69). He supported his brother against Conrad of
Montferrat.

James of Avesnes,

James came from the noble house of Avesnes. He joined the third crusade as a leader of
French, Flemish, and Frisian crusaders. He led as a military reinforcement in the siege of
Acre. His noble position and militaristic ambitions made him a strong leader for troops in
the crusades. He was respected by Richard Lionheart and Guy de Lusignan. (Asbridge,
Thomas. The First Crusade. Simon & Schuster, Limited, 2012.)
Isaac II Angelus: - Byzantine emperor

Isaac II Angelus, was a Byzantine emperor, who although unable to prevent

administrative abuses, succeeded in reclaiming imperial fortunes in the Balkans. He was
proclaimed emperor circumstantially by the mob who killed Andronicus I Comnenus. His
reign was inaugurated by the victory over the Normans, but shortly after, the loss of
Cyprus to the rebel Isaac Komnenos In 1189, when he was confronted with the Third
Crusade that was passing through Byzantine territory. He attempted to protect himself
by forming an alliance with Saladin, but was forced to assist Frederick. He holds strong
resentment towards Isaac Komnenos. ("Isaac II Angelus | Biography & Byzantine
Government". Encyclopedia Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-II-
Angelus.)
 CITED WORK
Asbridge, Thomas. The First Crusade. Simon & Schuster, Limited, 2012.
Berriot, François, « Remarques sur la découverte de l'Islam par l'Occident, à
Hosler, John. The Siege of Acre, 2018
"Isaac II Angelus | Biography & Byzantine Government". Encyclopedia Britannica,
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-II-Angelus.
Jones, Dan. “The Templars.” Head Of Zeus, 2017. pp. 201.
la fin du Moyen-Age et à la Renaissance », Bulletin de l'Association d'étude sur
l'humanisme, la réforme et la renaissance, n°22, 1986. pp. 11-25.
"Leopòldo V Di Babenberg Duca D'austria E Di Stiria
Nell'enciclopediaTreccani".Treccani.It,https://www.treccani.it/enciclopedia/leopold
o-v-di-babenberg-duca-d-austria-e-di-stiria/.
Maalouf, Amin. The Crusades Through Arab Eyes. 1984.
Morrisson, Cécile. « De la ire à la IIIe croisade : création et défense des États latins de
Terre sainte », Cécile Morrisson éd., Les croisades. Presses Universitaires de France,
2012, pp. 23-50.
Nicholson, Helen J. Chronicle Of The Third Crusade. Routledge, 2019, p. 166.
Nicolle, David, and Christa Hook. The Third Crusade 1191: Richard the Lionheart,
Saladin and the Struggle for Jerusalem. Osprey Publishing Ltd., 2006.
"Rashīd Ad-Dīn | Islamic Leader". Encyclopedia Britannica,
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rashid-ad-Din.
Runciman Steven, A History of the Crusades, Vol. 2-3, 1951
Schaller, Henry, "Crusader Orientalism: Depictions of the Eastern Other in Medieval
Crusade Writings" (2018). Summer Research. 327
Wilson, Samuel J. “The Latin Principality of Antioch and Its Relationship with the
Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia, 1188-1268.” 2016, pp. 25–34.
YOUR CHAIRS
Nour Aljowaily
I am currently a second year student in the
Dual BA Program between SciencesPo &
Columbia University, studying Politics &
Government in the Menton Campus, and
working to cultivate my interest in the Arab
World. An avid MUNer, having participated in
six MUN conferences around the world and
won multiple awards, I am excited to be
chairing for the first time this year. With a
passion for Crisis committees fueled by their
dynamism and many twists & turns, I am
thrilled to be heading Saladin's forces in the
3rd Crusade Crisis Committee this spring, and
to lead my fellow participants to learn, enjoy
and succeed during our MedMUN adventure
this year.
 26 - 28TH OF MARCH 2021

MEDITERRANEAN MODEL
UNITED NATIONS

secretariat@medmun.org
https://www.medmun.org