alternatehistory.com

In 1219 the Crusader states seemed on their last breath. Their constant war against the newly formed Egyptian Ayyubid sultanate was being lost. In a bold move in alliance with the venetians the crusaders had stormed Damietta, the second city of the Nile delta’s coast. After taking the city the crusaders marched on Cairo with the mission to force convert the Ayyubid sultan al-Kamil. The expedition ended in a disastrous routing of the crusaders and the very existence of the crusader states seemed to be at stake. Christian morale was extremely low with the Levantine kingdoms in the defensive and the Byzantine empire having been neutered after the sack of Constantinople during the 4th crusade in 1204. Pope Honorius III said that the calamities faced were thanks to the sins of those who had not helped in the struggle against the Saracens. Just as rapture seemed imminent, however, reports came through of what appeared nothing less than a miracle.

News of a vast army marching from the depths of Asia, brutally crushing all who stood in their way heading to the crusader’s relief. The identity of the incoming army was immediately obvious. It could be none other than Prester John himself, charging under the banner of God against the infidels to save not just the crusaders but Christendom itself. Rumours abounded that Prester John ruled as Lord of Lords over a kingdom close to heaven on earth. Milk and honey apparently flowed freely through his lands and poison could do him no harm, nor did noisy frogs croak. The crusaders merely needed to hold strong and victory would be assured.