jan 1, 1149 - Second crusade

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The taking of Edessa by Zangi is seen in Europe as a move against Jerusalem, which is controlled by Europeans. The German emperor, Conrad II, and French monarch, Louis VII, lead hundreds of thousands on a crusade – the Second Crusade – to retake the Edessa for Christendom. The crusade stimulates a response from the Seljuk Turks who battle the crusaders. Another group of crusaders sail to the Iberian Peninsula and help King Afonso's move southward against the Muslims at Lisbon. Afonso captures Lisbon, which is to become the capital of Portugal.

1148 Picking up on the spirit of the Second Crusade, a Christian force from Jerusalem attacks the Muslim city of Damascus – a former ally against Zangi. The Christian army besieges Damascus, which is to fail.

1149 In the Second Crusade to the Middle East many have died from starvation and disease as well as injuries from battle. Edessa remains under Muslim control. But those returning from the crusade bring back sugar, which some Europeans will use in place of honey.

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