The Leper King Baldwin IV - His Final Battle and Death - CRUSADES DOCUMENTARY

The film Kingdom of Heaven depicts the final years of Baldwin IV of Jerusalem, but what's the true history behind the movie? Through courage and dedication, Baldwin the Leper King has protected Jerusalem from Saladin, the powerful Ayyubid Sultan of Egypt and Syria. However, Saladin’s power is increasing, and Baldwin’s health is declining. As leprosy ravages the King’s body, he faces the problem of the succession. His sister and heir, Princess Sibylla, is married to a young knight, Guy of Lusignan. But Guy is unpopular with many of the nobles in the Kingdom. Can Baldwin trust Sibylla and Guy to rule wisely after he is gone? From his wealthy capital in Egypt, Saladin waits for the right moment to strike. Will Baldwin be able to save his kingdom?

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Animated maps by: Denys Rodionov
Written, narrated and edited by: J Stephen Roberts
Voice actors:
Carl Hughes as William of Tyre
Ahmed Al-Bardweel as Ibn al-Athir
Philip Rowe as Ernoul, Squire of Balian of Ibelin

Sources:
-Arab Historians of the Crusades, trans. Francesco Gabrieli, (Barnes and Noble Books, 1993)
-Baha ad-Din ibn-Shaddad - The Rare and Excellent History of Saladin, trans. D.S. Richards, (Ashgate, 2002)
-Barber, Malcolm - The Crusader States, (Yale, 2014)
-Ehrenkreutz, Andrew - Saladin, (State University of New York, 1972)
-Hamilton, Bernard - The Leper King and His Heirs, (Cambridge, 2005)
-Ibn al-Athir - The Chronicle of Ibn al-Athir for the Crusading Period, Part 2, trans. D.S. Richards (Ashgate, 2005)
-William of Tyre - A History of Deeds Done Beyond the Sea, Vol. II, trans. Emily Babcock and A.C. Krey, (Columbia University Press, 1943)

Special thanks to the outstanding Nedim Can Incebay, who allowed me to showcase some of his brilliant video game editing in this documentary. Please visit his original video on the Battle of Montgisard:

#LeperKing #BaldwinIV #Saladin

[mafazkhan]

Doesn't matter what religion you are from you gotta respect King Baldwin IV .

[snoww]

It’s tragic how such a great king had his life cut short, but regardless he used the time he did have to fight through all the turmoil and suffering to always be a strong leader and defender of the kingdom. Great video as always! As a lover of Crusader history and the High Middle Ages I’m so glad that there is an educational channel like this that doesn’t just tell it but brings it to life. I can tell you put a lot of work into your videos.

[wayner]

Baldwin is one of my absolute favorite medieval figures. So tragic his life cut short by debilitating illness.

[doylekitchen]

Thanks J Stephen. Great final episode.

[satvikduvuru]

Baldwin the Leper's tale really humbled me. When people question why God let's bad things happen to good people, they should read about this magnificent warrior who, even with a deadly disease, ruled with an iron fist.

[declankrebs]

A most excellent conclusion. It has been said many times, but Baldwin IV was truly one of the greatest kings, and indeed leaders, that ever lived. He did what he could with what he had, he put the needs of his people before his own, and did it all at a very young age. Very sobering to think that, 25, I already outlived this great man by almost two years, yet in that time he defended a kingdom.

[Mr.Skeleton.]

This young man is truly the most fit and accurate depiction of what a king should be. Baldwin deserves all the recognition in the world. No joke I listen to these while lifting at the gym and every time I wanna give up I think about the leprosy plaguing King Baldwin and how challenging it must’ve been to push through all the body pain and aches, then I go into berserkers rage and start deadlifting heavy heavy heavy weights 😏this story gives us Christians strength 💪🏻

[kentheyorkshireman]

Been waiting for this, genuinely the most interesting documentary I've seen in a long time

[mrmpoutias]

As a greek i have some great heroes in our history to admire but the one i admire the most is the good lad baldwin iv, if i have a son i know the name.

[argonaut_jay]

My favorite King to ever exist. A true hero!

[denysrodionov]

A wonderful series of videos about the truly great and brave King of Jerusalem, Baldwin IV. Thank you for interesting content!

[swiftcee]

A king may move a man, a father may claim a son, but that man can also move himself, and only then does that man truly begin his own game. Remember that howsoever you are played or by whom, your soul is in your keeping alone, even though those who presume to play you be kings or men of power. When you stand before God, you cannot say, "But I was told by others to do thus, " or that virtue was not convenient at the time. This will not suffice. *Remember that*

[DavidTMSN]

Just wanted to say thank you...

This channel was my go to after long work days while still active duty.

[iringyellow]

I never tired listening your story about the crusades, Gid bless us

[pavelslama]

Saladin sieging Kerak: Yeah, our victory is guaranteed. I mean, whats the worst thing they can do? Throw a cripple at us?
*Baldwin IV arrives with his army*
Saladin: Yeah, I´d better not risk that...

[byron]

King Baldwin IV is truly a Stoic King like Emperor Marcus Aurelius a Stoic Philosopher. Instead of focusing on his disability leprosy he focused on defending his Kingdom Jerusalem. God blessed him with the strength and wisdom of the mind! K

[gregoryrussell]

A top job of telling a great history of this brave leader too.

[kamillgran]

I thought after watching these series I would come to admire Saladin more but actually I have so much respect for this young king. What a wise and brave king, and in such young age with a terrible infection.

[sjb]

What an incredible and inspiring human being Baldwin IV was

[Alex-uokh]

King Baldwin a great man amoung great men.