Lions Led By Donkeys Podcast Episode 342 - The Seventh Crusade and the Battle of Mansurah
Dec 16, 2024
A fever dream prompts King Louis IX to launch the Seventh Crusade, but history quickly repeats itself as he follows a failed battle plan. The hosts humorously dissect Louis's fundraising struggles, misguided strategies, and the challenges of navigating Egypt's waterways. As the crusaders land at Damietta, initial luck turns dire with delays and Bedouin harassment. The fate of Robert of Artois and the disastrous trap in Mansoura lead to chaos, disease, and Louis's capture, raising questions about legacy and sainthood in the aftermath.
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Episode notes
Don't Reuse Failed Battle Plans
- Avoid repeating failed plans without adapting to new circumstances.
- Louis reused the Fifth Crusade plan for Damietta and paid the price for failing to innovate.
Logistics Broke The Crusade First
- Logistics and timing broke the Crusade long before battle.
- Delays, disease, and unpaid mercenaries on Cyprus fatally weakened Louis's force before the Egyptian campaign.
Loss Of Surprise Was Critical
- Publicizing intentions and long warnings removed any element of surprise.
- Louis's formal declaration and slow crossing let the Ayyubids prepare defenses at Damietta.
