25 nov 1177 - Battle of Montgisard

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The Battle of Montgisard in 1177 was a significant engagement during the Crusades, where a Christian army from the Kingdom of Jerusalem, led by the 16-year-old leprosy-stricken King Baldwin IV, defeated the larger forces of the Muslim leader Saladin. The battle occurred near Montgisard, between Ramla and Yibna, with the Christians decisively routing Saladin's forces and pursuing them for twelve miles. This victory was notable for its dramatic underdog victory and for the strategic and morale implications it had on the region.

Saladin, commanding a large army estimated between 21,000 and 30,000, was caught off guard by Baldwin IV's aggressive and strategic interception. Despite his vast numerical superiority, Saladin's forces were spread out and unprepared for battle, engaged in pillaging the countryside. The Christian forces, though significantly outnumbered with around 375 knights and potentially up to 4,000 infantry and archers, were able to capitalize on their mobility and the element of surprise.

The battle saw Saladin's forces completely overwhelmed and forced to retreat to Cairo with only a fraction of his army intact, marking one of his most severe defeats. This loss was only somewhat mitigated by Saladin's later victories, including the significant battles of Cresson and Hattin and the Siege of Jerusalem in 1187. The victory at Montgisard remained a celebrated example of Christian resilience and tactical prowess during the Crusades.

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