apr 10, 1179 - Battle of Banias

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The Battle of Banias in 1179 saw Saladin's Ayyubid forces decisively defeat the Crusaders led by King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem. This encounter followed Saladin's retreat to Egypt after his loss at the Battle of Montgisard. In 1178, Baldwin fortified Jacob's Ford near Damascus, rejecting Saladin's substantial bribes to abandon it.

In spring 1179, Baldwin's force moved to intercept sheep near Banias, prompting Saladin to send 1,000 lancers under Farrukh Shah. The Crusaders were ambushed in a forest valley on April 10, leading to their rout. Baldwin narrowly escaped capture thanks to Humphrey II of Toron, who was mortally wounded covering the retreat.

Humphrey's death was deeply felt by both Crusaders and Muslims, with Ibn al-Athir lauding him as a formidable warrior. Following the battle, Saladin briefly besieged Jacob's Ford, then shifted his focus to raiding Galilee, Sidon, and Beirut. Baldwin attempted to counter but suffered another defeat at the Battle of Marj Ayyun.

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