jul 15, 1158 - Battle of Butaiha

Description:

In July 1158, the Battle of Butaiha saw King Baldwin III of Jerusalem and his Crusader army defeat Nur ad-Din Zengi's forces. This victory occurred in the plains of Butaiha, located in the northeast of modern-day Israel, an area then under the Kingdom of Jerusalem.

Background:
By 1154, Nur ad-Din had unified Syria under his rule, posing a significant threat to the neighboring Crusader states. In 1157, Baldwin III seized livestock from Damascenes pasturing in Banias, violating a truce and provoking Nur ad-Din, who responded with raids and a significant victory at the Battle of Lake Huleh.

Battle:
On 15 July 1158, near the village of Butaiha northeast of Lake Tiberias, Baldwin III, joined by Thiery of Alsace, Count of Flanders, and the Knights Hospitallers, faced Nur ad-Din's raiding party. The Crusaders decisively defeated the Muslim forces, reportedly killing around six thousand warriors, although this figure is likely exaggerated. The victory was celebrated as a significant military success, comparable to the Siege of Jerusalem in 1099.

Aftermath:
Following Butaiha, hostilities continued, including Raynald of Châtillon’s capture in 1160 or 1161, leading to his long captivity until 1176. Further engagements included the Battle of al-Buqaia in 1163, where the Crusaders again emerged victorious.

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