Seventh Crusade
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The Seventh Crusade (1248–1254) was the first of the two Crusades led by Louis IX of France. Also known as the Crusade of Louis IX to the Holy Land, it aimed to reclaim the Holy Land by attacking Egypt, the main seat of Muslim power in the Near East. The Crusade was conducted in response to setbacks in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, beginning with the loss of the Holy City in 1244, and was preached by Innocent IV in conjunction with a crusade against emperor Frederick II, Baltic rebellions and Mongol incursions. After initial success, the crusade ended in defeat, with most of the army – including the king – captured by the Muslims.
Louis IX during the Seventh Crusade
Battle of La Forbie, from Chronica Majora by Matthew Paris
Innocent IV with Louis IX at Cluny
Ascelin of Lombardy with the Mongol general Baiju.
As-Salih Ayyub
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Al-Malik as-Salih Najm al-Din Ayyub, nickname: Abu al-Futuh, also known as al-Malik al-Salih, was the Ayyubid ruler of Egypt from 1240 to 1249.
Basin made for Sultan As-Salih Ayyub, Damascus, Syria, 1247-1249. Brass inlaid with silver. Freer Gallery of Art.
Horseman playing Polo (detail). Damascus, Syria, 1247-1249. Brass inlaid with silver. Freer Gallery of Art.