It was an attempt by European Leaders to win back Holy Land from Saladin. Saladin took over Jerusalem and changed the religion of the people and land. The Europeans heard of this news and started to organize a crusade. The many men who set out on the crusade had sewn and decorated armor, shields, banners, and more with the cross Jesus was nailed to. They used silk, cloth, string, and dye to make the symbols. Once this was done, they left to take back Jerusalem. They did this to show what they were fighting for, and they believed the cross could cause them no harm and the power of god and Jesus would make them win. There were 3 large armies, lead by 3 of the most powerful leaders in Europe. Saladin was removed and the Europeans took over the Holy City once more. Saladin returned and a truce was formed because the English king was in true power over the other leaders. This happened in 1991 (when the truce happened)