Why did King Richard order the slaughter of his Muslim prisoners?
During negotiations with the Muslim commander, Saladin, Richard had agreed to terms that included the release of Muslim prisoners held in Jerusalem in return for payment of a fee. Once the first installment was paid, Richard did not honor his part of the agreement. Instead, he ordered the execution of approximately 2,700 prisoners, including women and children. They were executed outside the city walls. Saladin’s soldiers could see the slaughter, which took all day, and tried to rescue them. Even as the executions were taking place, a battle was fought, but the Muslims were driven back and the prisoners died. It is interesting that Christian chroniclers of the time relate this story with great satisfaction.
