ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

1228: The Sixth Crusade and Diplomatic Negotiations

On September 7, 1228, Emperor Frederick II arrived in Acre, the Middle East, as part of his expeditionary force during the Sixth Crusade. This marked a significant turning point in the conflict between the Holy Roman Empire and the Muslim forces led by Sultan Al-Kamil.

Frederick's arrival was preceded by an embassy from Al-Kamil, which included Fakhr al-Din ibn as-Shaikh, who met with Frederick at the Hospitaller camp near Acre. The negotiations were a response to Al-Kamil's efforts to suppress a rebellion in Syria and his concentration of forces on a siege at Damascus.

However, due to time constraints caused by the limited size of Frederick's army, diplomatic talks resumed after a military display put pressure on Al-Kamil. This led to the Sultan agreeing to negotiate further, with Frederick ultimately receiving the title King of Jerusalem as Conrad II, while serving as regent under his father.

Meanwhile, in Europe, Pope Gregory X was engaged in the War of the Keys against Frederick II, prompting Stephen of Anagni to collect a special tax in England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. In Asia, Khwarazmian forces led by Sultan Jalal al-Din clashed with Byzantine forces at the Battle of Bolnisi.

The year 1228 also saw significant events in the lives of notable figures. Saint Francis of Assisi was canonized by Gregory IX on July 16, while other notable births and deaths occurred throughout the year, including those of King Conrad IV of Germany, Alfonso de Brienne, Bartolo da San Gimignano, Eleanor de Braose, Ibn Daqiq al-'Id, Shihab al-Din al-Qarafi, Takatsukasa Kanehira, Wang Yun, and Yvette de Huy.