I wanted to let you know how thoroughly I enjoyed our telephone conversation yesterday evening. Some more thoughts about your plans for a Crusader siege diorama. During the Third Crusade, after the fall of Acre, the Crusaders marched south down the Med coast line in what is known as the "Fighting March". Saladin used some delaying tactics as he fell back to defend Jerusalem at Ascalon, Latrun, Ramla, and Jaffa (Sept-Oct 1191). Although Saladin ended up demolishing the castles at Ascalon and Ramla, King Richard's plans had been to march against both of these Saracen strongholds. You could create a "what if" (Saladin had not destroyed these castles) diorama and have your Crusaders siege Ascalon or Ramla. Ascalon was also under sieige and battle during the First Crusade in August 1099. You colud also do the seige of Damascus which occured during the Second Crusade in July 1148. Just some thoughts. Again, great chat -
Mike