The conquest of Acre and its consequences

When, after a long siege, the crusaders finally triumph in July of 1191, there is conflict among them. Although Leopold’s troops only play a relatively small part in the victory, he has his flag put on one of the fort towers. He thereby places himself on the same level as King Philip II of France and Richard the Lionheart of England. Enraged, Richard has it torn down and Leopold, equally enraged and humiliated, leaves. His chance for revenge comes soon enough.

On his home voyage Richard I is cast away on the upper Adriatic coast and must proceed by foot. Leopold, colluding with Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor and King Philip II of France, takes him prisoner when he passes by Vienna in December of 1192.

The English king is imprisoned at Dürnstein Castle on the Danube and ransomed for a staggering 20 tonnes of silver. This corresponds to double the yearly income of the English crown and results in a devastating loss of English capital. Leopold uses part of his share to establish the Austrian Mint, build a new city wall and found Wiener Neustadt.