Which of the following likely contributed to the path of the third crusade? much of north africa was held by muslims; therefore, crusaders approached from the east. much of europe was held by the christians; therefore, crusaders traveled straight through the mediterranean. much of spain was held by muslims; therefore, crusaders traveled around it by sea rather than through it. much of italy was held by muslims; therefore, crusaders hugged the border of croatia and serbia.

The correct answer is C) Much of Spain was held by Muslims; therefore, Crusaders traveled around it by sea rather than through it.

The option that likely contributed to the path of the third Crusade was "Much of Spain was held by Muslims; therefore, Crusaders traveled around it by sea rather than through it."

In the long history of the Crusades that killed so many people for religious and control issues, the Third Crusade started in 1189 and ended in 1192 CE. Saladin, the Muslim leader, had captured Jerusalem and the Crusaders want it back to Christians hands. Christian Kings Philip II of France, Frederick I of Germany, and the famous Richard I -Lionhearted- of England, united their armies to fight the Muslims.