Editing 1218 (section)

==== Fifth Crusade ====
* [[May 24]] &ndash; A Crusader expeditionary force, (some 30,000 men) under King [[John of Brienne|John I of Jerusalem]], embarks at [[Acre, Israel|Acre]] (supported by Frisian ships), and sails for [[Egypt in the Middle Ages|Egypt]]. They arrive at the harbour of [[Damietta]], on the right bank of the [[Nile]], on [[May 27]]. Sultan [[Al-Adil]], surprised by the invasion, recruits an army in [[Syria]], while his son [[Al-Kamil]] marches an Egyptian force northwards from [[Cairo]], and encamps at Al-Adiliya, a few miles south of Damietta.<ref>[[Steven Runciman]] (1952). ''A History of The Crusades. Vol III: The Kingdom of Acre'', pp. 127–128. {{ISBN|978-0-241-29877-0}}.</ref> 
* [[June 24]] &ndash; [[Siege of Damietta (1218–1219)|Siege of Damietta]]: The Crusader army assaults the fortified city of Damietta, but they repeatedly fail. As a result, the Crusaders create a new type of naval siege weaponry, attributed by the German chronicler [[Oliver of Paderborn]]: two ships are bound together, with a siege tower and ladder constructed on top. 
* [[August 24]] &ndash; After a fierce fight, the Crusaders manage to establish themselves on the ramparts of Damietta, and capture the fort.<ref>Steven Runciman (1952). ''A History of The Crusades. Vol III: The Kingdom of Acre'', pp. 128–129. {{ISBN|978-0-241-29877-0}}.</ref>
* [[September]] &ndash; Cardinal [[Pelagio Galvani|Pelagius]] arrives with reinforcements at the Crusader camp, and proceeds to challenge the command of John I, claiming that the Church holds greater authority than a secular leader. Meanwhile, the Crusaders spend time clearing out an old canal, so that their ships can surround Damietta. Pelagius also brings news that King [[Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor|Frederick II]] has promised to follow soon, with a German expeditionary force.<ref>Steven Runciman (1952). ''A History of The Crusades. Vol III: The Kingdom of Acre'', p. 131. {{ISBN|978-0-241-29877-0}}.</ref>
* Al-Kamil decides to offer the Crusaders a deal, [[Kingdom of Jerusalem|Jerusalem]] in exchange for their departure from Egypt. John I favored accepting this offer but Pelagius refuses, unless it also includes [[Kerak Castle]] and other former castles of Jerusalem, to the east of the [[Jordan River]]. Al-Kamil refuses these strategically important sites, and Pelagius rejects the offer. This angers the Crusaders – who consider Jerusalem their important goal.<ref>Oliver of Paderborn, ''The Capture of Damietta'', Translated by John J. Gavigan. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1948.</ref>
* [[October 9]] &ndash; Al-Kamil conducts a surprise attack on the Crusader camp. Discovering their movements, John I and his retinue counter-attack and annihilates the Egyptian advance guard. On [[October 26]], Al-Kamil attacks by using a bridge across the Nile, after a fierce onslaught the Egyptians are driven back into the river. The Crusaders strengthen their siege lines and receive French and English reinforcements at Damietta.<ref>Steven Runciman (1952). ''A History of The Crusades. Vol III: The Kingdom of Acre'', pp. 131–132. {{ISBN|978-0-241-29877-0}}.</ref>
* [[November 29]] &ndash; A storm, lasting for 3 days, floods the Crusader camp – devastating the Crusaders' supplies and transportation. To prevent a recurrence Pelagius orders a dyke to be constructed. After the camp is repaired, a serious epidemic strikes the Crusader forces. The victims suffer from a high fever, and at least a sixth of the soldiers die. During the severe winter, the survivors are left enfeebled and depressed.<ref>Steven Runciman (1952). ''A History of The Crusades. Vol III: The Kingdom of Acre'', p. 132. {{ISBN|978-0-241-29877-0}}.</ref>