Final answer:
Saladin's siege of Jaffa began on April 28. The siege is part of the larger Third Crusade era, which included significant military engagements for control over the Holy Lands. It ended on May 8, highlighting the intense conflict dynamics between Muslim forces and Christian Crusaders.
Step-by-step explanation:
Saladin's siege of Jaffa began on April 28, which is a critical part of understanding the chronology of the Crusades. This particular siege is situated within the larger context of the battles for control over the Holy Lands and plays a significant role in the history of the Crusades. During the Third Crusade, the Christian response was substantial, with figures such as Richard I of England, known as the Lionheart, participating in the efforts to maintain Crusader holdings in the Middle East.
The Third Crusade (1189-1192) was initiated following the capture of Jerusalem by Saladin in 1187. Although the Christians were not able to retake Jerusalem, they managed to reinforce their presence along the coastline and on the island of Cyprus. The siege of Jaffa was a part of the military engagements of this period, and it ended on May 8 with the siege being lifted.