The English and the French arrive in the Levant to contest the rule of the Holy Land with the Ayyubid Sultanate.  The Third Crusade sees some of the most vicious fighting and brilliant generalship of all of the Crusades, resulting in a stalemate.  But though Richard the Lionheart and Saladin part on terms of deep mutual admiration and respect, the results of the Third Crusade are unsatisfying to all sides.  In Europe, the Pope declares a new Crusade.  But this Fourth Crusade is strapped for cash and, under the influence of the Venetians, takes a detour leading to Constantinople...