The Siege of Acre was the first confrontation of the Third Crusade, lasting from August 28, 1189 until July 12, 1191, and the first time in the history that the King of Jerusalem was compelled to personally see to the defence of the Holy Land. It was also the deadliest event of the whole period of the Crusades for the Christian ruling class of the east.Rickard, J (12 November 2001). " Siege of Acre, August 1189-12 July 1191", Accessed October 12, 2007.