September 19, 1187
On this date, the Siege of Jerusalem by the forces of Saladin began during the Crusades. Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria, led his Muslim forces to capture the city from the Crusaders. This event was pivotal, as it marked the conclusion of the peak period of Muslim re-conquest of the Crusader states in the Levant.
Jerusalem, Kingdom of Jerusalem | Ayyubid dynasty
On September 19, 1187, the Siege of Jerusalem commenced, marking a significant moment in the history of the Crusades. Led by Saladin, the Sultan of Egypt and Syria, Muslim forces began their campaign to recapture Jerusalem from the Crusader control, which had been established since the First Crusade in 1099. This siege was a pivotal event that contributed to the Muslim reconquest of territories in the Levant.
Background: Prior to the siege, Saladin had achieved a decisive victory at the Battle of Hattin on July 4, 1187. This confrontation resulted in the capture of many key leaders of the Crusader states and severely weakened the military capabilities of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Strategic Importance: Jerusalem, as a spiritual and strategic center, was vital for both Christian and Muslim powers. For the Crusaders, it was a sacred city and a crucial stronghold; for Muslims, reclaiming it was seen as a religious and strategic imperative.
Forces and Strategy: Saladin’s forces, comprising a coalition of troops from various regions under his command, laid siege to Jerusalem by surrounding the city and cutting off supplies. Employing superior numbers and a well-coordinated strategy, Saladin sought to end Christian rule over Jerusalem.
Inside the City: The defenders, aware of the consequences of falling into Saladin’s hands, prepared for a determined defense under the leadership of Balian of Ibelin. However, they faced significant challenges due to the lack of reinforcements and limited supplies.
Surrender and Terms: On October 2, 1187, after negotiations, Balian surrendered the city to Saladin. The terms were relatively generous; citizens who could pay a ransom were allowed to leave the city safely, while others were sold into slavery.
Impact: The capture of Jerusalem was a psychological blow to Christendom and led directly to the launch of the Third Crusade (1189-1192), which sought to reclaim the lost territories, including Jerusalem, though ultimately it did not succeed in retaking the city.
Legacy: Saladin became celebrated as a paragon of chivalric ideals in both the Muslim world and even among some of his Christian adversaries. The siege and eventual fall of Jerusalem to Muslim forces marked a significant shift in the Crusader-Muslim dynamics in the Holy Land.
The Siege of Jerusalem in 1187 thus stands as a turning point in the Crusades, exemplifying the ebb and flow of territorial control in the medieval religious conflicts of the region.
Source: en.wikipedia.org