On July 16, 1148, during the Second Crusade, a major council was held at Palmarea, near Acre in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The gathering brought together some of the most powerful leaders of medieval Europe and the Crusader states, including King Baldwin III of Jerusalem, King Conrad III of Germany, and King Louis VII of France, to determine the next major military objective of the campaign.

The council decided to launch an assault against Damascus, one of the oldest and most important cities in the Islamic world. Despite being a longtime rival of the Crusader states, Damascus had previously maintained diplomatic relations with Jerusalem. The decision to attack the city was influenced by competing political interests among Crusader nobles and visiting European commanders.

Custom, inscribed “1185”, features lily of the valley on the back.

On July 11, 1244, Jerusalem suffered one of the most devastating attacks of the medieval era when Khwarezmian forces, often referred to as Khwarezmian Tatars, captured and sacked the city. The assault ended a brief period of Christian control over Jerusalem and brought widespread destruction, with many inhabitants killed and communities driven from their homes.

On July 11, 1174, 13-year-old Baldwin IV of Jerusalem became King of Jerusalem following the death of his father, Amalric I. Because of Baldwin’s young age and his battle with leprosy, the powerful noble Raymond III of Tripoli was appointed regent to help govern the kingdom during the king’s early years.

"Your mercy will earn the respect of the Saracens." the freed slave told Balian.

A righteousness act of not killing the innocence by Balian earned the trust of the true master of the Muslim world who disguised himself as a slave in the middle of nowhere.

A genuine chivalrous spirit acted out by Balian saved the Holy City by refusal to involve in unjust wars within and outside the walls of the city.