Answer: 1192
Some extra relevant information:
Richard and Saladin signed a truce known as the Treaty of Jaffa on September 2, 1192. This truce was reached during the Third Crusade, a series of military campaigns fought between the European Christian forces led by Richard the Lionheart, King of England, and the Muslim forces led by Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria. The Treaty of Jaffa brought a temporary halt to the conflict and established a peaceful coexistence for a period of three years, three months, and three days.
The Third Crusade was a response to the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin’s forces in 1187. Richard the Lionheart, along with King Philip II of France and Emperor Frederick I of Germany, set out to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control. Despite achieving significant victories and capturing crucial cities such as Acre, the Christians were unable to recapture Jerusalem.
After years of brutal battles and failed attempts to capture the city, both Richard and Saladin eventually recognized the need for a truce. The Treaty of Jaffa allowed Christian pilgrims access to the holy sites in Jerusalem and other key locations. It also recognized Muslim control over the city, with a provision that a corridor would be established for safe passage for Christians.
While the truce marked a temporary cessation of hostilities and provided some relief for both sides, it did not lead to a lasting peace. The battles continued after the expiration of the truce, as the underlying tensions between Christians and Muslims persisted.
The signing of the Treaty of Jaffa in 1192 remains a significant event in the history of the Crusades. It demonstrated that political negotiations could sometimes prevail over prolonged warfare and highlighted the respect and diplomatic skills of both Richard the Lionheart and Saladin. Despite their differences, they managed to find common ground and establish a period of relative calm in a time of intense religious and political conflict.