The Seventh Crusade (1248–1254)

The Seventh Crusade (1248–1254) was a military expedition led by French King Louis IX, aimed at reclaiming Jerusalem and strengthening Christian control in the Holy Land. The crusaders first targeted Egypt, capturing the city of Damietta. However, after facing strong resistance and suffering significant losses, they were ultimately defeated by the Egyptians at the Battle of Mansurah. Louis IX was captured but later ransomed. The crusade ended without achieving its goals, highlighting the challenges and complexities of the Crusades, a series of religious wars aimed at controlling holy sites and territories in the Middle East.