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Building a bridge to the 12th century

The Ems Dispatch would like to wish a very happy 908th anniversary to the brave knights of the First Crusade. On this date in 1099, the Crusaders launched a month-long siege against the city of Jerusalem, which culminated in its overthrow and the establishment of the Kingdom of Jerusalem - a Christian kingdom that would last only two centuries. Upon the successful conquest of the city, the Crusaders unleashed one of the most brutal bloodbaths in history, as they slaughtered nearly every inhabitant of the city - Muslim, Jew, or Christian - that they saw.

(slow-clapping)

Way to go, Crusaders. If nothing else, you proved that even decisive military victories over Muslim-controlled strongholds mean absolutely nothing in the grand scheme of things. But hey - maybe this time it’ll be different, right?