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The previous crusade had struggled to cross Asia Minor.

English and French Kings resolved the sail to the levant, the army of Frederick Barbarossa chose to repeat a landward march.

By the late spring of 1190, however, he was finding the crossing of Asia Minor far harder.

Saladin was feeling enormous trepidation, but good fortune soon gave the sultan a vital boost.

On 10 June 1190 Frederick tried to cross the River Saleph.

He slipped and drowned.

His death extinguished moral in the German crusade, and many knights returned home.

Guido urgently needed a firm base from which he could organize a counterattack on Saladin, he directed his plans to Acre, the best port on the coast, located approximately 30 miles to the west of Hattin.

To lay siege to Acre was an audacious ploy.

Saladin had not expected that Guido, the man most believed responsible for the defeat at Hattin, would take the battle to the Muslim in such an outrageous fashion.

Very early the sultan's army arrived and he quickly established his own forces.

Thus began the double siege of Acre, a visceral, gruelling struggle that would last for over two years.

Philip of France was the first to depart and reaching Acre four weeks later.

They launched a fierce bombardment towards the walls of Acre.

It became clear to the defenders that they were near breaking point and they communicated this to Saladin in the main camp.

June 1191, Richard received a rapturous reception as he landed at Acre.

The most valiant of Kings has arrived.

He appeared amidst great pomp and ceremony with twentyfive Galleys, full of knights, stores and weapons.

His coming had a dread and frightening effect on the hearts of the Muslims.