HBO explores history of Christianity vs. Islam

HBO is developing a very topical mini-series about the Third Crusade, the 12th century battle where European Christians attempted to reconquer the Holy Land occupied by Muslims. It's an exciting story that includes death, love and betrayal-- all important elements in great storytelling (a synopsis of the Third Crusade is at Wikipedia). HBO and co-producer Channel 4 will tell the story through the eyes of the leaders on both sides, Saladin and Richard the Lionheart.

Writing the series is Kario Salem, who wrote Don King: Only in America and The Rat Pack for HBO. The series is Salem's idea-- he pitched HBO with a 100-page, thoroughly-researched outline. HBO agreed to the project, but asked him to cut it down from his projected ten hours to eight. Salem will write the first four hours and Don McPherson will write the final four.

No air date has been announced.