Books
War
Seventh Crusade
1248–1254 CE
Louis IX organised the Seventh Crusade after the loss of Jerusalem in 1244. The expedition sailed through Cyprus and captured Damietta in 1249, expecting that control of the Nile delta would open the way to Cairo.
The advance stalled at al-Mansurah. Robert of Artois was killed in a rash attack, disease weakened the army and the retreat ended with Louis IX and many of his followers captured in 1250. Their release required the surrender of Damietta and a large ransom.
All Things Are Lights follows its fictional French characters from preparations at court through Damietta, al-Mansurah and captivity, alongside Louis IX, Margaret of Provence, Robert of Artois and Baibars.
