jan 1, 1188 - Siege of Safed

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In late 1188, Sultan Saladin launched a siege on the Templar-held castle of Safed, employing a formidable array of trebuchets and mining operations while enforcing a strict blockade. The harsh conditions were exacerbated by continuous rain and mud, complicating the siege efforts but not deterring Saladin's strategy. Despite the adverse conditions, Saladin ordered the precise placement of siege engines to maximize their effectiveness.

The Templars faced dire circumstances, enduring relentless assaults and dwindling supplies. A letter from Hospitaller provisor Hermengar highlighted the desperate situation, noting the Templars' struggle to withstand the ongoing siege. Efforts by a Hospitaller relief force to break the siege failed, leading to the capture of two of its members. In a notable display of mercy influenced by the captives' flattery, Saladin spared their lives but opted for imprisonment.

Ultimately, the depletion of their resources rather than direct military defeat forced the Templar garrison to negotiate for peace. On 30 November, they formally sued for terms, and by 6 December, they evacuated the castle under an agreement that allowed them safe passage to Tyre, a city Saladin had previously attempted to seize but failed to capture. This event marked a significant moment in the broader context of Saladin's campaigns during the Crusades, illustrating his tactical prowess and occasional leniency.

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